Saturday 23 July 2016

Importance of Reflection

I've often talked about how good it is to reflect on things that have happened in my life. To see what lessons were there for me to learn or to see how I can change for the better. In my career it is no different.

I think I sometimes forget the power in reflection and as a result can lose track of the 'what' and 'why' in my choices. It's easy to get caught up in 'life' and 'getting things done' and not truly focus on why I am here.

I teach because I want to make a difference to the world. I do it because I want to build resilient, independent thinkers that aren't afraid to ask questions. I want my students to challenge the norm and express themselves without fear of repression.

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by high quality educators, each with different strengths. I often get stuck in a negative thought loop where I compare myself negatively to these people and I question everything: my choice of career,  Am I a good teacher? Are my students learning? Am I offering the outcomes that matter? None of this does me any good.

I have a great friend who reminds me that I have a tendency to over think things. She is absolutely right. I guess it's only because I care so much about what I do and the impact I can have on people through my job. I need to stop worrying about comparing myself to others and reflect on what I am doing and how I can get better in my own way.

So, here I am sitting on the train after a fantastic Teach Meet session and feeling thankful that I am reminded of why it is important to reflect. Right now, I am confident I am on the right path and am glad to be thinking about reflection for growth again.