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 the reflections of two of the many people who had been active in the Catskill Whole Language Council to reflect on the annual Catskill Retrospection and Contemplation Preconference, which preceded the annual Whole Language Conference. Notes the successful formula included singing engaging songs together, welcoming remarks, and inspiring…

By organizing the research reference game as a mirror, educational video feedback contributes toward creating a new pleasure. The representations of teaching arouse reflection on the action among novices; joint viewing of sessions shot in classrooms are called stimulated recall sessions, case studies, or reflective practice workshops. They allow…

Teachers today must be much more aware of their students and what they bring into the classroom than teachers of a generation ago. This paper explains that to be a good teacher today, it is important to focus on relationships between people, and on hopes and dreams, rather than merely formulas and test scores. (SM)

Develops a model to examine teachers' instructional practice in secondary school mathematics in relationship to their underlying cognitions. Indicates that the value of the model lies in its usefulness as a guide for enabling teachers to reflect on their practice and underlying cognitions in a structured, comprehensive manner. (Contains 54…

Seeks to clarify ambiguity regarding the concept of reflection as it applies to teaching and learning in higher education. Provides an in-depth analysis and synthesis of selected theoretical approaches and explores the implications of reflection for practice. (EV)

Examines the value of reflection as a meaningful way of approaching learning about teaching in order to develop a better understanding of teaching and teacher education. The article explains that an appropriate focus on experience in teacher education can be influential in developing effective reflective practice and that effective reflective…

Uses a scene glimpsed in a university cafeteria (cafeteria workers listening intently to the story another worker is telling them) and a stroll through the campus to reflect on how much professors are storytellers. Finds that the work of teaching is very similar to narrating. (BT)

This article provides some strategies that might help a teacher in dealing with a new course or new content, or just get the year off to a good start. The following strategies are described: (1) Review the new content; (2) Seek help from every resource; (3) Capitalize on what you know; (4) Be organized; (5) Remember the basic science processes;…

Storytelling has developed as an extremely efficient staff development strategy employed to break the silence that surrounds the cultural differences in schools by portraying such differences as important elements of teaching and learning. The author suggests that various ways that pursue people to confront their ideas and assumptions, reveal…

Getting personal requires that teachers do what they can to give life to their talents and dreams. Doing so means thinking about what they value in teaching and searching out practices that bring success and satisfaction. Getting personal asks that teachers trust their instincts and intuitions and requires that they learn from what they do. The…

The author writes that teachers need strong managerial skills, but teaching also requires that practitioners be visionaries as well. He suggests that the part of the teaching profession that makes one a visionary lies in organizing a classroom that promotes reflective thinking, empathy, and broader global identification, encouraging cross-cultural…

Alf Coles and Barry Orr reflect on what it looked like when Alf taught a year 7 lesson. In this article, Alf was asked by Barry (student) if he would take a lesson with the Y7 class that he had taken over from another teacher in the department in order to see what someone else might do with his lesson plans. Alf describes what some moments with…

This article recommends the teaching journal as a method of instructional improvement. Drawing on teacher education literature, the article reviews the concept of reflective teaching and then describes uses of the teaching journal for college instructors in descriptive, comparative, and critical dimensions. Teaching journals can improve the…

This article explores Jacques Ellul's challenges to Christian educators in a society permeated with technique or technological thinking. Responses to the three challenges Ellul puts forth to believing Christians, and, specifically, to Catholic Christian school educators, integrate a process of contemplative practice. This process integrates…