Reflective Thinking in the Classroom

Reflective Thinking in the Classroom

So it goes without saying that we want our children/students to become successful, reflective tinkers … & so then the question becomes: Are we in fact doing this & if so, how?

If you were a fly on my classroom would you would see me encouraging my students to demonstrate …

• Self-awareness
• Empathy & Understanding
• Insight
• Analytic abilities
• Flexibility
• Decision-making skills
• Evaluation & re-evaluation skills & strategies

As The Teacher:

As a teacher I make a conscious effort to model & practice the above for all to see. I “think/talk out loud” to myself for my students to hear and benefit from. As I work through concepts and problems, and reflect upon strategies and processes I make sure that my kids can hear me, see me, learn from me – we learn together.   

I act as a guide and model. I also try to take advantage of situations in which I can step back and act as a facilitator – encouraging students to take the lead. I encourage student directed, discovery learning.
I make sure to stress & value the process – the journey.

Know Thyself:

In order for students to truly act as reflective thinkers and employ/own the skills they must understand who they are. To this end I encourage students to ask themselves the following questions - to really understand the following:

• How do I learn best? e.g. auditory, visual, tactile, etc.
• Do I like to explore concepts alone, with a friend or in a group?
• What support can my teachers give me to ensure learning; to encourage growth & development?
• How do I best “show what I know”?
• What are my interests?
• What are some of my beliefs about the people and world around me, and do I have any biases?
• Am I an active listener?
• Am I open minded?

The Classroom Atmosphere:

I create … 
… an environment in which students are leaders and I as the teacher am a facilitator
… a safe, secure environment – establish/review the ground rules prior to discussion
… an active, organic, respectful, exciting and encouraging environment.
… a seating plan that encourages discussion, e.g. in a circle, a horseshoe or sitting in a circle on the carpet.
… an environment that encourages diversity, curiosity, creativity, imagination & confidence.
… activities that encourage refection -  that encourages / requires curiosity, reflection & an inquiry approach.

Suggested Activities Include:

• Class Meetings.
• Read Alouds – picture books are a great resource no matter the grade level!
• Class debates.
• Writing / sharing Persuasive Essays – including practice taking the opposite point of view.
• Learning Logs.
• Problem Solving Activities (e.g. Math, science, citizenship, social, interpersonal).
• Opportunities to gather, organize, evaluate & reevaluate information.
• Create opportunities for authentic problem solving activities.
• Hands-on activities.
• Drama activities.
• KWL charts – preview, review, revisit, reevaluate.
• Posing open-ended question practice observation skills – the world around us, social integration, body language, etc.
• Practice asking & answering questions: Ask “why” and “how”: “Why do you feel this?” “How do you know this?”
• Peer & group work – encouraging the discussion and valuing of differing points of view.
• Whole group/small group brainstorming sessions.
• Activities which afford students the opportunity to discuss the topic/concept with a friend or in small groups first – then engage in a whole group discussions.
• Activities including structured processing time.
• Follow-up activities requiring reflecting, reevaluating, & thinking about alternative approaches, information & next steps.
• Opportunities to “show what you know” & to consider the ideas of others; to express understanding / beliefs clearly; to consider & build on the ideas of others.