In this episode of The Optimalist, we embarked on a reflective journey with High School English teacher, Marcus Luther. Marcus emphasizes the need to prioritize reflection not as an added task, but as a fundamental element of teaching, while shedding light on its challenges in the educational landscape.
Marcus illuminates how students react to reflective practices and the profound cognitive and emotional benefits it brings. By delving into students' learning journeys, reflection deepens understanding and fosters a supportive environment conducive to growth - and it’s measurable. We explored strategies to prioritize reflection, recognizing its pivotal role in unifying diverse learning experiences.
Then, we navigated the evolution of reflective practices over a school year, and the integration of oral reflections within the classroom. Despite the challenges inherent in reflection, such as defining success and navigating uncertainties, we underscored the importance of modeling these practices to foster a supportive environment for both students and teachers. We highlight the necessity of authenticity, support, and ongoing dialogue in cultivating reflective growth, affirming its significance in enhancing student and teacher development within the educational landscape.
Key reflection:
What do next steps look like in your practice of reflection - whether it’s personal or professional or with your students - what’s next? Reflecting on those next steps is what I’ve found makes me more actionable and centered in my practice.
Chapters
(0:02:35) Marcus Luther's Influences and Important Work
(0:07:20) Making Room for Reflection
(0:09:12) Shifting Thinking on Reflection
(0:12:33) Centering Reflection in the Classroom
(0:17:05) Growth and Change Over the School Year
(0:23:15) The Challenge
(0:25:07) Lack of Support for Teachers
(0:27:26) The Follow-Up Challenge
(0:36:00) Defining Success
(0:40:47) Reflection as an Ongoing Story
(0:49:03) Overcoming Barriers
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Links Mentioned:
Marcus on Twitter: @MarcusLuther6
Find us & join us:
Follow Sara Candela on Twitter at @Scandela9
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The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Swivl. At Swivl, we understand that the biggest challenge in education is the rate of change. To learn how Swivl can help you be more reflective, engaged, and adaptable - including Mirror, our newest tool for complete transformation - visit swivl.com. You can also follow us on Twitter.
We are excited to introduce Mirror by Swivl - a new tool made to recognize the potential of reflection in classrooms. We built Mirror to thrive with AI, reflect easier, and partner with teachers. I think Mirror is where you and your students are going to meet your potential self.
Follow Swivl on Twitter at @Swivl
Follow Swivl on Instagram at @goswivl
Credits:
Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.
Audio Editing: Chidi Chiemelu
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