Throughout this semester, we have been taught that we should be reflective in our work. This is the reason why we write commentaries for our minilessons, take notes during field, and write midterm reflections. Reflective teaching is a tool that teachers use to observe and evaluate the way they act with their students. This is a good practice because there will always be room for improvement when it comes to our teaching. In the book, Emdin details an experience he has in the class where his students voiced their opinions of his temper with the class. He asked a few of his students to critique his teaching style so that he may work on and improve in the areas he struggles. This teaching method was effective because he was not only able to better himself, but also create a more efficient learning environment. I chose this video because it directly correlates to the topic of this quote. The man in the video is talking about how teachers can improve their effectiveness by being reflective practitioners.

 

I chose this picture because the character is “blazing a new trail.” He is making a new path to go down instead of the worn path laid before him. There are a lot of preconceived notions about what a teacher may act or look like. Throughout the book, Emdin is constantly suggesting new ways to teach the youth. He teachers how to teach but not content. He teaches them to engage. I think student engagement is one of the number one things that separate average teachers from great teachers. The stereotype of teachers is that they are old and boring. They just want to drill information in your head. Great teachers will find a new way to teach you. Keep you interested. Talk with you instead of at you. I have learned so much in only my first semester of early childhood education. I plan on constantly involving my students in their learning. I will create a new path for my students and I because they deserve someone who wants to be there, wants to teach them, and wants them to change the way they think of school.