Many questions are raised in modern days regarding the need and significance of reflective practices by classroom teachers. Reflection denotes thoughtful consideration of a situation or event that has taken place with the intention of understanding and learning from it and changing or improving future actions.

Reflective practice is defined in a most recent literature as a vehicle through which one can improvehis practices by thinking and rethinking on his own experiences. Therefore reflective practice is constant thinking and questioning of:

• Our beliefs (for example: why students not learning exactly what I teach them?)
• Our assumptions (if a student’s father is a driver, will he/she become more than driver?)
• Our judgments: (what do I mean when I say a student is “dull” or “bright?)
• Our prejudices: (the West learnt everything from the Muslims)
• Our emotions and feelings: (if a student calls me “stupid” what should I do?)
• Our actions and their consequences: (how did I handle this question? What will happen to a student if I expel him from the classroom?)

The question now arises is that why we in general and teachers in particular should reflect on our practice? Firstly, it is required for personal and professional growth. With the help of reflective writings we attempt to enhance our mental capabilities and improve our practice. Also, it helps us to do things right and be able to justify our actions. Reflective writings make us creative and innovative and facilitate us to consider fundamental issues in learning. We can analyze various factors before taking decision. Hence, this aids us to bring about a better society.

When we reflect we tend to identify and examine the assumptions underlying human ideas and behavior that usually taken for granted. We also recognize and gain awareness that the nature of ideas and behavior are powerfully affected by context in which they occur. Thus, develop the capacity to imagine and explore alternatives to existing ways of thinking and living.

The following steps should be considered while undergoing reflective writing:

Step 1: Consider what happened?

• Write a short description of the event or incident. Write who, where, when, what happened, briefly but in sufficient detail to give the event or incident meaning.

Step 2: Think why did it happen?

• Write why it happened. Now interpret and analyse why it happened. Try to identify your beliefs, values and personal theory.

Step 3: What might it mean?

• Reflect on what it might mean. Explore possible meanings rather than determine “the” meaning.

Step 4: What are the implications for my practice?

• Identify what are the implications for practice. Given your new understandings how might your practice change?

Many a times it is asked that how reflective journal is different from a daily diary:

• Reflective journal involves reasoning whereas daily diary is descriptive;
• Reflective journal is focused on problem solving whereas daily diary is focused on identification of problem;
• Reflective journal is analytical whereas daily diary is narrative;
• Reflective journal is all about raising questions related to individual concerns whereas daily diary signifies sequence of events etc
• Reflective journal deals in taking initiatives for further learning whereas daily diary deals in depending on others

The journal writings can be used by teachers as a tool for understanding and can lead to informed action. Learning from writing needs openness and curiosity. Return to your writing whenever the interest occurs, perhaps weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. As you read through your journal be aware of the thoughts, feelings and reactions you have. Be open minded while writing reflectively. Your mind should be open to new ideas / thoughts and ready to listen to more sides than one. Try to be an active learner and be prepared and able to hear thinking…that may be contrary to one’s own. Reflective thinker should be to admit … previous belief may be wrong.

I hope that you have developed some understanding of reflective practice and what it means to be a reflective practitioner. It is important for you to determine how and when you will do your reflections. Reflect on key issues and points raised. Relate all the new information with your previous knowledge and think about how it shapes your future practice. In addition, as you plan and teach your lessons, reflect on your practice as well as on your students’ response on it . You will realise that it is through your reflections that you will be able to solve most of your problems and ease your anxieties about Teaching.