A lesson goes well, but instead of moving on, you ask: "Why did that work? What could I tweak?" A lesson flops, and instead of moving on, you ask: "What went wrong? What would I do differently?" Reflection is what turns experience into expertise.
But reflection isn't just thinking about stuff. It's structured, intentional, and done with purpose.
A simple, powerful framework for any lesson or experience:
1. Description: What happened?
2. Feelings: How did I feel? How did students seem to feel?
3. Evaluation: What went well? What didn't?
4. Analysis: Why? What caused what worked or didn't work?
5. Conclusion: What have I learned?
6. Action: What will I do differently next time?
Work through this after a lesson you want to improve. Takes 15 minutes. Transforms your practice over time.
1. The one-page reflection (weekly, 10 min)
At the end of the week, answer four questions:
• What went well this week?
• What was challenging?
• What did I learn about my students?
• What will I change next week?
Keep these in a folder. Read them at the end of term. You'll see growth.
2. The critical incident reflection (as needed, 15 min)**
Something happened that surprised you (good or bad). Reflect:
• What exactly happened?
• Why did it happen?
• What does it tell me about my practice or my students?
• What will I do about it?
These become your learning stories.
3. Peer reflection (monthly, 30 min)**
Meet with a colleague. Each shares: one success you had, one challenge. You listen, ask questions, offer observations. Talking it through with someone else deepens your thinking.
Student learning:
Did my students understand? What evidence do I have? What would a different assessment tell me? Who did I miss?
My teaching:
Did my explanation work? Was my pacing right? Did I check for understanding? What would I say differently?
Classroom culture:
How was the energy? Did everyone feel respected? Did I notice behaviour early? Did I celebrate good choices?
Inclusion:
Did all students participate? Were there barriers I didn't notice? Who needs different support? Am I unconsciously favouring some students?
Gibbs Cycle templates, weekly reflection pages, critical incident analysis sheets, and a comprehensive reflection guide. Digital and print formats. Free.
Teaching is a lifelong learning journey. Every class teaches you something. Every student shows you where you can improve. Every year you're a different teacher than the year before — if you're reflecting. That's what it means to grow.
