I first came across reflective practice when working towards Certification. Then I had to consider what I had learned from training and work experiences and how I could put these skills learned into practice. I also thought about areas where I needed to develop my skills or knowledge and plan filling these gaps. I've tried to retain this reflective approach and use it after training or work activities. For example, last spring we arranged for groups of ESOL students to tour the library to be told about the facilities and the Six-Book Challenge. After each visit I thought about what had gone well and any issues and made changes to the plan for future session. It occurred to me that it would benefit the students to introduce them to the library earlier in the year and follow up with the Six-Book Challenge in January. I discussed this with colleagues and my manager and we decided to use this plan this year.
A more structured reflective practice is also part of performance appraisal. This is an annual review of the previous years' work and a plan for the next year, updated after six months. The appraisal gives an opportunity to consider what has gone well or if not so well, why, and how performance can be enhanced. Prior to meeting with my appraiser I have to think about my work, how it could be improved and training requirements.
I also have regular meetings with my manager and preparing for these involves reflecting on recent tasks. As well as updating my manager on activities completed and coming up, it enables me to consider what I have learned and how to develop and improve.
Now that I have reflected on this blog, I realise that I need to create a structure to my reflective practice. This will have to be a simple and fast way to record my thoughts which I can return to afterwards to see where I could make improvements to my work. I use a notebook to keep track of the things I need to remember and do. The back of the notebook will be the ideal place to jot down my reflective thoughts which I can transfer to a learning journal later.
