Module 1: Reflection as a Way of Life

Is reflection a way of life? If so, how does one reflect?

I stop and think about his while I am at my computer typing this out. A friend of mine this morning called me and she brought up the new business and some things she was worried about. (It's important to note that I am not directly involved or have say but my parents have shares in the business). She said she was up all night and couldn't sleep because she was worried about where a boat would go in the marina.

I said "why"?

For me, this is not a big deal, it will get sorted out and is out of our control. The people coming in will figure it out, it is a small marina and every slip is taken except for where the boat will go. So it's pretty self explanatory for me.

I walked away because her phone rang and the conversation stopped.

Right away I was reflecting on the conversation. As I was reflecting, many thoughts came to my mind. 

1.) Maybe I was in the wrong in stating what was on my mind

2.) I learned in a course that it is better to ask questions than to let them stew

3.) Maybe she's not the right person for the job? Maybe she needs to relax?

4.) Maybe I just need to zip it

As I am writing this, I notice that I reflect a lot. I think this is good. I know I am a person who is very determined and when I believe in something I go to the end. However, in a professional context I try and reflect on what I am doing everyday. I would say that this last year of teaching, I had more opportunities (good and bad) than ever to reflect. I also had a colleague who would push me and we would have some big conversations. 

I realized quickly that I do not have control over other people. The only way I can try to influence them is by listening, doing and supporting them. 

I do believe that reflection should be a way of life. I don't know that everyone reflects or goes that deep with it. Some may think reflection as thinking, for me reflection is sitting back and saying to myself "what was the outcome?", "did that come across the right way?", "was I in the wrong or right?".

Being reflective in life I think is good practice, it opens our minds, eyes and hearts. It helps us grow and adapt to the times. 

I am taking another course in my PME: Integrated Planning & Assessment. There are a lot of things I reflect on when it comes to curriculum & assessment. This past school year, I have had some great conversations with colleagues about their perspectives on curriculum, assessment and conceptions. I never realized how deeply rooted the conceptions were until recently. As we go through this course together, I would like to reflect and probe deeper into what curriculum & assessment means to me and see where I start and how I finish (not indefinitely) throughout this blog.