Page 248 - Resources and Support for the Online Educator

Chapter 7: Self-Reflection

Edtech Props

Creative Writing

Creative writing is a wonderful reflective practice that we all can benefit
from. And there is no need to put yourself into a “talented writer” box
to do so; writing can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, adding
one sentence about something you are grateful for each day. This is
a great way to reflect on your day from a positive angle. You might be
surprised that something that seemed to go wrong in your day actually
transformed into an opportunity for growth. This practice also helps
us to make decisions and take actions that foster our development. For
instance, when journaling becomes a conscious habit, we automatically
remind ourselves about who we are and who we are aspiring to become,
reflecting on those actions that will bring us closer to our goal.
If you are not so keen on journaling, perhaps you can take five minutes
every day to write down what you achieved that day—something we
often overlook. We maintain a to-do list, crossing out things as we go but
adding just as many—the list never goes away (the nature of life)! Always
thinking of what needs to be done, we spend very little time acknowl-
edging all the things that have been done, and that should change. You
deserve to celebrate your achievements!

Reflecting with Colleagues and Others

It is important to develop connections with other educators at multiple
levels. Developing meaningful relationships with colleagues not only helps
you stay connected but can help you grow as an educator. If you have a
personal connection with a colleague, then it may be easier to work together
on areas of growth. Find a supportive colleague or group of colleagues to
collaborate with on your learning journey, as their insights can be a valu-
able part of your reflection. Also, there may be times when you are asked to
help students or colleagues with their reflections, either informally or in a
coaching situation, and we encourage you to do this. Collaboration builds
something even greater than we can accomplish on our own.

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Stretch Yourself: A Personalized Journey to Deepen Your Teaching Practice 248