The more critically one reflects on their teaching, the more conscious they becomes of the whys and hows associated with an experience. However, reflection and critical analysis are no easy feats. The structure provided by reflective frameworks can offer music educators guidance in understanding reflection, evaluating reflective thinking, and…

This book has been structured to build a framework to guide the practitioner and to encourage their creation of tools that can be effective in guiding practice. It has been written and organized to prepare critically reflective teachers to take their place in society and to do that with the knowledge, personal framework and tools to be successful.…

Argues for a more deliberate emphasis on teacher training by reinvigorating "techne" as a concept that is far more than instrumental or prescriptive. Suggests that if teacher educators prepare prospective teachers to master the "techne" of teaching, they encourage them to become user-centered, reflective practitioners who…

Reflects on what the author has learned about university teaching from her experience being a novice student of karate. Asserts the value for even seasoned teachers to maintain a beginner's mind that is "free of the habits of the expert, ready to accept, to doubt, and to open to all the possibilities." Concludes that from this new…

Highlights critical moments in classrooms that demonstrate the powerful teacher-student relationship that is imperative to effective teaching and learning. Suggests that a learning group would be an effective way to structure a graduate class for teachers. Contends that observing children is an important learning technique for teachers. (PM)

Presents one teacher's reflections on the interaction of the terrorist attacks with her personal and pedagogical value systems. Challenges teachers to reassess their priorities in light of historical events that have forced their way into the classroom. Considers the role of time and place in the practice of teaching. (SG)

Describes how a teacher's journey of documenting everyday literacy events on the streets in her community changes her understanding of what it means to bring the outside world and local literacies into her classroom. Concludes that educators must place value on who students are and where they come from. Suggests that educators and students must…

Attempts to understand and relate only a part of the theory of Northrop Frye in "Anatomy of Criticism" and its implications for critical reading. Suggests that if theory is used as a practical basis for literature education then educators must not abuse the privilege and simply use the theory without reflection. (SG)

Discusses some recent trends in teacher certification and professional development and the impact they have had on literacy instruction in schools. Argues for a multifaceted approach to meet the demand for high-quality teachers. Discusses alternative pathways to licensure. (SG)

Describes the process that two professors used to help their graduate students begin to study their respective practices through ethnographic teacher-research. Notes that the systematic and intentional inquiry of teacher-research provided a relevant context for investigation of teaching and learning about literacy. Describes their processes of…

Describes some dramatic changes in the author's reading instruction, an example of how reflection leads to action in a reflective learning community. Uses her observations to reflect on the reading processes of her young readers and the materials being used to support them as developing readers. (SG)

Presents a classroom teacher's reflections on her personal experiences with reading and how she incorporated what she was learning into her teaching. Describes how she reads to renew her spirit, to dispel some of the worry of the school setting, and for new insights and inspiration. (SG)

Expands the reflective process into the author's unique learning community to intimately involve parents in their child's learning and academic development. Explores new ways to gather information about her students by inviting parents to become members of her reflective learning community. Describes the benefits and challenges of having parents…

Decision-making in Reading Recovery requires skills of observation and reflective analysis that many teachers have not had to learn in order to be good classroom teachers. This is because Reading Recovery sets the teacher a very complex task which involves the construction of a curriculum for each individual child--a curriculum that is…

This article identifies questions and strategies to help teachers become more self-aware regarding their interactions with students with behavioral and emotional disorders. Strategies address: (1) identifying and defusing emotional triggers; (2) shifting focus; (3) reducing burnout and nurturing teacher mental health; (4) assessing ability to use…