Page 242 - Resources and Support for the Online Educator

Chapter 7

Self-Reflection

“When teachers stop learning, so do students.”

—Jim Knight, Unmistakable Impact: A Partnership Approach
for Dramatically Improving Instruction

elf-reflection gives us insight into our thoughts and aspirations.
S The more thorough the process of self-reflection, the better we

recognize our thoughts, feelings, values, and beliefs for what
they really are. Self-reflection even prompts some individuals to question
and restructure their entire belief system! What’s more, the meditative
process encourages you to re-evaluate your principles and core values in a
nonjudgmental manner. Meditative reflection also helps us recall our short-
and long-term goals.

We must welcome self-reflection as an opportunity for change—a chance
to develop ourselves and our practice and to learn new things. This chapter
begins by talking about being ready for change and about self-reflection.
But the most productive self-reflection includes compassion and gratitude,
so remember to be kind to yourself as you reflect.

Are You Ready to Change?

How do you know if you are ready for change? Answering this question
alone begins with self-reflection. Being able to look inside and reflect on

Stretch Yourself 155

Stretch Yourself: A Personalized Journey to Deepen Your Teaching Practice 242