What is component 4a and why do we need it?
Component 4a of Danielson's Framework is all about reflecting on teaching. As teachers, there is a necessity for constant self-reflection and thinking about how we teach, what we teach, and what changes can be made to improve our lessons. It is crucial that we look at how we did as a teacher and ask ourselves some important questions, such as: "What did I do right?", "What did I do wrong?", "Was the lesson adequate in meeting the needs of students?", "Are there changes that can be made?", etc. These questions are last but very important step in our lessons. If we do not reflect, we are not growing as teachers and our students are not gaining the proper instruction they need. There are many ways to reflect on teaching. Some teachers write in journals or engage in collegial conversations; others use informal observations or examine student work, or even simply engaging in conversations with students about lessons. Reflecting is an important skill that takes time to develop by gaining insight from mentors, coaches, principals, or supervisors. However, once the skill is mastered, the teacher is able reflect with ease and uses it constantly. This reflect cycle ultimately leads to teacher growth, student growth, and the best opportunity for learning and success in the classroom.
What are the elements?
Component 4a is comprised of 2 elements: accuracy and use in future teaching. Accuracy means that as a teacher gains experience and confidence in the classroom, their reflection becomes more accurate; the assessments that would be given by the teacher would correspond with those assessments of an external and unbiased observer. In addition, the teacher has specific examples and anecdotes that support their judgement. It is important that the teacher does this out of reliability and validity. Use in future teaching means that the reflections that a teacher makes influences the adjustments and changes they make in their practice. The lesson plan should be constantly be changing for improvement, to better the learning of students. For reflection to truly improve teaching, this should be a focus of the teacher.
Cool ideas to help with component 4a?
References:
- Danielson Group » The Framework. (2017). Danielsongroup.org. Retrieved 7 November 2017, from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/
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