Sept 14 Class 2 entrance slip: On Being a Reflective Teacher.

 

Task 1:

1. Relevance to Me:

• The concept that resonates with me the most is the idea that teachers are also learners. This shatters the traditional paradigm that positions teachers solely as authorities dispensing knowledge. In the dynamic landscape of education, teachers, just like their students, are on a continual learning journey. While we may possess more expertise in the subject matter, we are not omniscient. For example, the frontier of research in various disciplines is continually expanding, and it's essential to stay abreast of these developments. Additionally, we must be tuned into current societal issues to make our teaching relevant. The climate crisis serves as a pertinent example; as educators, we have a responsibility to address this urgent issue, given its increasing evidence and impact.

2. Dated or Irrelevant Points:

• While the core principles of the article remain valuable, I'd like to expand on the virtues it lists—open-mindedness, responsibility, and wholeheartedness—by adding "inclusivity." In the Canadian context, which is becoming increasingly diverse and welcoming to marginalized communities like Indigenous peoples and the LGBTQ+ community, inclusivity in teaching is not just a virtue but a necessity.

Task 2:

1. Teacher Inquiry and Critical Thinking:

• The article aids in shaping my perspective on teacher inquiry and critical thinking in several ways. For instance, it advocates for reflective teaching, which I strongly agree with. Reflection allows us to evaluate our teaching strategies and adapt them according to the diverse learning needs of our students. However, reflection should not be a passive activity; it must be coupled with active engagement and inclusive practices to ensure that all students feel seen and heard in the classroom.

• While I agree with the article's points on the importance of reflection, I think it could go further by emphasizing the need for active inclusivity. Being responsible and aware is vital, but these qualities can be somewhat passive. In contrast, inclusivity requires ongoing, active efforts to recognize and accommodate the diverse needs of all students.