Making Improvements

-

 



Making Improvements

         Perfecting your craft is an ongoing and never-ending process. It involves self-reflecting on your current practices, examining the good and bad, and making a productive plan to improve your craft. Researchers Kross et al. (2023) recently studied the importance of self-reflection and why it matters. One of the conclusions they found is, "our ability to turn our attention inward to reflect on our circumstances allows us to learn from our mistakes, make sense of our experiences, plan, and engage in a host of other mental processes that contribute handedly to our ability to regulate our emotions, innovate, problem-solve, and create" (para. 2). Self-reflection is crucial for any professional if they want to improve their craft.



Improvements in Education


As an educator, it is particuluarly important for me to self-reflect to improve my teaching skills because I teach 550 students. By improving my craft I can positively impact 550 students, which is both encouraging and a heavy load to carry. As I consistently am self-reflecting to improve my practice, I have to remember to not only look at what did not go the way I wanted and be intention to find ways that I was successful in my teaching. Kross et al. (2023) describe the dangers of only looking at the negative when they conclude, "when people focus on negative experiences, self-reflection often backfires, leading them to get stuck in negative thought loops (i.e., worry and rumination), which undermine decision making, performance, health, and relationships" (para. 2).



My Improvements


Recently, I began integrating the Modern Classroom Project into my S.T.E.A.M. classroom. The Modern Classroom Project is a teaching platform in which teachers build units of learning that students can go through at their own pace. This self-paced learning platform hinges on the use of technology for instructional videos, mastery checks, and content practice. I have loved integrating a new and innovative teaching platform, but as I learn how to best use it I have to ensure I am self-reflecting to determine how to change my practices to best meet my students needs.



Why Change?


As someone who desires to be a leader in educational technology, I want to push myself to be the best I can be with innovative technologies within the classroom. One expectation set by the CoSN Framework for Essential Technology Leadership Skills is for leaders to "promote and lead the implementation of industry best practice methodologies, tools, and programs (e.g., TCO, ITIL, SDLC, Baldrige) in support of technology" (2D). I have been thankful to be able to be one of the first teachers in the district to explore Modern Classroom. This opportunity has allowed me to invite educators from around the district and state to observe the use of Modern Classroom Project-- allowing me to promote and lead the implementation of best practices in support of technology.  Not only have I gotten to be a leader in this regard, but it has also connected me with other educators who are integrating this practice into their own too!



Collaboration


        Collaboration within the exploration of emerging technologies is important and helpful. Jones and Kennedy (2022) state "collaboration and mentoring are important for maximizing learning in school settings" (p. 126). Through the use of self-reflection and collaboration educators can continuously improve their craft.



Looking for more ways to improve your craft? Read these 10 tips!






References:

Jones, L., & Kennedy, E. (2022). Effective technology tools for school leadership: Understanding Digital and Data-Driven Strategies. Taylor & Francis.


Kross, E., Ong, M., & Ayduk, O. (2023). Self-Reflection at work: why it matters and how to harness its potential and avoid its pitfalls. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 10(1), 441–464. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031921-024406


Comments

  1. C.H. WatkinsApril 29, 2025 at 5:54 AM

    I really enjoyed reading your post. I would love to transition to more of a self paced learning style in my classroom. This one article I read mention freeing up your time to help your students in other ways. I have wished to do this for the last few years. I have actually thought through the process. The one thing that keeps me from doing it, is grading. Our system requires two grades a week, and how do you grade people who don't make it through the entire class at the end of the year. I would love your input on how that is done in this type of classroom.


    Comley, M (2024) Benefts in Self-pacing in Skills Based Hands On Class. Next Gen Learning. https://www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/benefits-of-self-pacing-in-skills-based-hands-on-classes

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Technology Integration

-
Image
Title by Meredith Barker       Schools across the United States are incorporating technology in innovative ways. From using technology to deepen student understanding of academic content to using technology to 'travel' around the world while inside the classroom to allowing students to present their learnings using technology, the implementation of technology within the classroom has endless opportunities and a significant impact on student engagement.      Researcher Bhat (2023) determined through his research on technology integration in the classroom , "it becomes evident that technology has the capacity to revolutionize the way students learn, engage, and excel in their educational journeys " (para. Conclusion 1). So, what are ways educators can incorporate technology in ways that are beneficial to all students? Let's talk about a few! Technology Integration           Bhat (2023) states, " while technolo...
Read more

The Art of Conflict

-
Image
 The Art of Conflict People Pleasing      According to an online poll posted in 2022, "about half (47%) of American adults believe that other people in their life would definitely or probably describe them as a people-pleaser. Among women, 51% believe others see them this way, and 42% of men say the same" (Ballard, 2022). With at least half of the population in the United States stating they are 'people pleasers,' that can lead to people avoiding conflict and instead being a friend, co-worker, or employee that always says "yes." Although there is value in being a person who is willing to say "yes", there is equal value in knowing when to say "no". Too often, people are afraid that saying no will create conflict, so it is avoided, but saying no can actually be helpful at times. Researchers studied conflict within the workplace and concluded that, "conflict can, in fact, be positive if it is managed properly. Conflict can promote team-...
Read more

Continuity of Instruction

-
  Continuity of Instruction      When the world transformed during the pandemic in 2020, the world of education underwent a complete shift from face-to-face to online. In a matter of days, educators were expected to transform their teaching into virtual lessons. As we have learned from that experience and prepare for the future of education, the continuity of instruction is vital. The continuity of instruction refers to strategies and practices that ensure learning continues uninterrupted, even when faced with unexpected disruptions. Let's discuss a few key elements to the continuity of instruction for educators. Instructional Design      Engaging students is always a top priority for educators-- whether they are teaching face-to-face or virtually. Keeping students engaged with the content improves student understanding of the material. One key aspect of engagement is instructional design. According to the Continuous Learning Rubric v2.1, inst...
Read more