Reflective and Reflexive Practice

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of reflective practice in teaching, highlighting its role in fostering equitable relationships with students. It starts from the moment of arrival in a field situation and continues throughout interactions with children. Reflective practice involves not just observing the environment but also self-reflection on one's actions and engagement. This approach helps teachers to avoid replicating power dynamics common in education, instead promoting a transformative, equal partnership with students that respects and understands each other, leading to a more equitable learning process.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Reflective practice is an ongoing process that begins the moment you enter a field situation and continues throughout your interactions with children.
• 🔍 It involves not just observing the physical environment but also introspecting on your actions and engagement with the children.
• 🗣️ Communication with children is a critical part of reflective practice, as it influences their responses and interactions with you.
• 🔄 Reflective practice is reflexive, meaning it happens in the midst of interactions and has an impact on both you and the children.
• 👶 Engaging with children as equals, rather than exerting authority, helps in establishing a transformative relationship that is beneficial for learning.
• 👥 Reflective practice promotes equity by encouraging teachers to consider their power dynamics and interact with students on a more level playing field.
• 🌟 The process of equity is ongoing and requires continuous reflection to ensure that it is being effectively implemented in the learning environment.
• 💡 Reflective practice is essential for teachers to avoid replicating traditional power relationships often found in formal education contexts.
• 📚 It enables teachers to step back from their inherent authority and engage with students in a way that respects and understands them as individuals.
• 🛠️ Reflective practice is a tool for teachers to improve their teaching methods and foster a more equitable and effective learning experience.
• 🔑 The transformative nature of reflective practice lies in its ability to change both the teacher's approach and the student's engagement in the learning process.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the transcript?

The main focus of the transcript is on the concept of reflective practice in teaching, emphasizing its importance in engaging with students and fostering a transformative learning environment.

What does the speaker mean by 'reflective practice'?

Reflective practice, as described by the speaker, is an ongoing process of self-evaluation and consideration of one's actions and interactions with students, both during and after teaching activities.

How does the speaker define 'reflexive practice'?

Reflexive practice is defined as a dynamic interaction that not only involves reflecting on oneself but also influences and is influenced by the students, creating a reciprocal learning experience.

Why is reflective practice important in teaching?

Reflective practice is important in teaching because it helps teachers to avoid replicating power relationships typical in formal education, and instead engage with students as equals, fostering a more equitable learning process.

What role does reflective practice play in establishing a relationship with students?

Reflective practice plays a crucial role in establishing a relationship with students by allowing teachers to meet them face-to-face, respect them, and understand them as individuals, which is transformative for both parties.

How does the speaker describe the process of equity in education?

The speaker describes equity as a process rather than a goal, which requires continuous reflection and interaction with students to create an equitable learning environment.

What does the speaker suggest about the teacher's role in the classroom?

The speaker suggests that the teacher's role should be one of an equal partner with the students, where they engage in activities and conversations that are mutually beneficial and reflective.

How does the speaker relate reflective practice to the physical environment of the classroom?

The speaker relates reflective practice to the physical environment by mentioning the importance of observing and considering the classroom's physical features, such as posters and messages, as part of the reflective process.

What is the significance of the teacher's words according to the transcript?

According to the transcript, the teacher's words are significant because they can influence the students' responses and interactions, making them a crucial part of the reflective practice.

How does the speaker view the teacher's authority in the classroom?

The speaker views the teacher's authority as something that should be held back, encouraging teachers to engage with students as equals rather than exerting power over them.

What changes does the speaker suggest can occur over time through reflective practice?

The speaker suggests that reflective practice can lead to changes in the teacher's approach and interactions with students over time, as they continuously reflect on their practices and adapt to better meet the needs of their students.