Reflective Practice to Improve Schools: An Action Guide for Educators

Praise for the First Edition: ". . . poses a challenging, compelling argument and is highly recommended for any educator in search of tips, tricks, and techniques for self-improvement on the job." --Midwest Book Review December 2001 "I treasure this book. It is informative, well written, and important to educational leaders." -- Robert Garmston, Cofounder Institute for Intelligent Behavior "This book is essential to anyone interested in a framework and strategies for supporting a school staff in reflecting on its practice to increase learning at the individual and organizational levels, and subsequently enhancing student learning." --Shirley M. Hord, Program Manager Southwest Educational Development Laboratory Praise for the Second Edition: “This book is a must-read for teacher leaders, principals, and central office administrators. The authors make a substantive and powerful argument for addressing reflection at all levels of the organization and provide practical tools and insights to facilitate a comfortable transition from theory to practice. This book will be valuable to anyone serious about ensuring success for all students." --Stephanie Hirsh, Deputy Executive Director National Staff Development Council Use reflective practice to renew your life, enhance your teaching practice, and promote success for your students! As you reflect on your day, what can be learned about your teaching and leadership practice? When you create space during the week to reflect with your colleagues, in what ways can you share your experiences, successes, challenges, and questions to foster collaborative learning and growth? Reflective practice--individually and with others--counteracts the effects of professional isolation and instills a sense of meaning, renewal, and empowerment in the hectic lives of educators. Insights gained through reflective practice improve teaching and leadership practices that result in enhanced learning and development for students. This book offers a roadmap for reflective practice that presents research-based information and ideas and strategies for engaging in reflective practice alone, with partners, in small groups, and even schoolwide. Reflective Practice to Improve Schools is the reference tool you need for mastering reflective practice and initiating it in your school. The authors have revamped this second edition to include: Additional ideas and strategies for incorporating individual reflection into your life New examples of reflective practice for administrators New examples of reflective practice for schoolwide implementation Greater reflection for fostering equity and cultural competence A commitment to reflective practice is a commitment to realizing your potential as educators and human beings, not only human doings.