ELI Teacher Feedback: Self-reflection
One of the aspects which the ELI gives teachers feedback on is, of course, teaching
which includes "evidence of self evaluation and reflection." We base our evaluation of
your self-reflective practice on a number of things, such as: peer observation (how you
reflect on your own teaching when observing a peer); administrators' observation of your
teaching and the relevant pre-post discussions; and things we may hear about your
teaching from Lead Teachers or things which you choose to share with us. However, it
has been pointed out that there is surely quite a bit which we can not see. Following the
excellent suggestion of Mark Messer, we would also like to provide you with another
optional opportunity and forum to tell us, in writing, about how you reflect on your
teaching, especially if you are new to the ELI or are shy or hesitant to talk about your
teaching.
There are three main purposes of this: 1.) To let you tell us how you reflect on your
teaching so we can get a clearer picture of what you're doing; 2.) To share with others
some of your great ideas on self-reflective practice; 3.) To let you consider how you
reflect on your teaching practice.
If you choose to write your self-evaluation and reflection, there is absolutely no need to
write an exhaustive, lengthy, scholarly piece, and you certainly do not have to "prove" to
us that you are a self-reflective teacher. We already know that the ELI is made up of an
exceptional group of talented, superior teachers. Also, it will in no way be "held against
you" if you choose not to do so. As with other teacher development tasks in the ELI (e.g.,
peer observation), we encourage you to approach this as an opportunity to develop as a
teacher. Indeed, if you choose to write on how you reflect as a teacher, you could do so
with an eye towards putting the description in your philosophy of teaching or some other
component of your teacher portfolio.
If you choose to submit a brief write-up of how you reflect as a teacher, please write it in
a way which you feel is beneficial to you. There is no set form for how to write it up.
Some ideas to consider as you write are listed on the following pages. Please turn it in to
Kenny either in hard copy or electronic copy by Monday, October 27th so that we will
have a chance to review it prior to the midterm feedback given to ELI teachers.
Version 1: Bullet point list
Self-reflection: some aspects to think about
Do you consider yourself to be a reflective teacher? But, of course you do! So,...
In what ways, do you reflect on your teaching and on yourself as a
teacher?
Naturally, self-reflective practice could cover a number of things including (but definitely
not exclusively) those aspects listed below*: As you respond to the question "In what
ways do you reflect on your teaching and on yourself as a teacher?" please pick one or a
few of these ideas to focus on. You could also respond in a different way (your own idea).
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Thinking about what worked or didn't work in a(n) activity/lesson/course
Consulting with Lead Teachers, colleagues and others
Implementing ideas from peer observation
Connecting and applying what is introduced in your MA coursework to your ELI
teaching
Considering things which you do well as a teacher and things which might need
improvement (i.e., your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher)
Soliciting and incorporating various feedback (from students, observers,
administrators, video/audio recordings, etc.) into your teaching
Responding to end-of semester course evaluation
Responding to midterm feedback given to ELI teachers
Forming/revising a philosophy of teaching
Considering principles which inform your teaching
Assessing/adjusting your lesson plans to meet the course goals and your students'
personal/academic needs
Exploiting resources available in the ELI which may help you develop as a teacher
(e.g., reading the collection of recommended readings in your curriculum area)
Contributing ideas to the ELI (e.g., in curriculum area meetings)
*This list is adapted from an original document submitted by Mark Messer, spring 2003.
Version 2: Questions
Self-reflection: some aspects to think about
Do you consider yourself to be a reflective teacher? But, of course you do! So,...
In what ways, do you reflect on your teaching and on yourself as a
teacher?
Naturally, self-reflective practice could cover a number of things including (but definitely
not exclusively) those aspects listed below*:As you respond to the question "In what ways
do you reflect on your teaching and on yourself as a teacher?" please pick one or a few
of these questions to answer. You could also respond in a different way (your own idea).
1. What kinds of things do you think about when you plan a lesson? When you evaluate
the effectiveness or success of a lesson or course?
2. What factors influence adjustments to your lessons and teaching (e.g., feedback from
observers, students, etc.)?
4. How do you respond to the various feedback you receive about your teaching?
5. How has working in the ELI helped you meet your professional development goals?
6. How have you contributed to the ELI?
7. What are your strengths/weaknesses as a teacher?
8. How often and in what ways do you share with others in the ELI your struggles or
ideas about teaching?
*These questions are adapted from an original document submitted by Mark Messer,
spring 2003.