Abstract

My inquiry project will explore the reflective practice as a tool for teacher self-assessment through the following question: how can I use reflection to self-assess my weakness as a teacher and improve upon them? As a starting teacher, I recognize that I shave much to learn and anticipate that some aspects of my teaching will be weaker than others. However, before I can address my knowledge gaps and engage in professional development geared to my needs, I must learn to first identify them. In order to better understand my professional weaknesses, I plan to regularly engage in a Schönean inspired ‘reflective practice.’ My goal will not simply be to reflect but to produce reflection, namely, insights and plans for improving my practice. To accomplish this, after each class, I will write quick notes on any moments in which I found myself needing to reflect-in-action, such as an unpredicted problem with my lesson plan, a student or colleague that threw me off course or left me unsure how to act. Later in the day, I will practice reflection-on-action, with respect to those moments. Schön’s four-step conception of the reflective practice and problem-setting will guide my reflection. My unsure moments will serve as triggers for reflection. I will ‘frame’ them in light of the specifics of that classroom or gym setting. Then I will ‘reframe’ the trigger in light of what I have learned in the B.ed  program thus far and my previous teaching experience. I will use these insights to make and implement future plans specific to the action setting. As new ‘triggers’ that arise I will continue the cycle. Every two weeks I will review my notes and look for reoccurring trends. I will use this information and feedback from my FAs and SA to analyze the effectiveness my reflective process for self-assessment. The insights gained from this inquiry will inform my next professional development opportunities in the near future. The experience of undertaking this inquiry will benefit my practice for the duration of my whole career by establishing a habit of reflective practice as self-assessment, which are essential to for professional growth.