As a result of critical reflection, we are improving every day. “Having Educators that understand pedagogy and curriculum approaches allows us to have different perspectives on our practices. It has also served to get to know and understand how we view each other’s individual beliefs and values and how those perspectives form the basis of our teaching practices.” “Reflective practice has helped our team to improve the everyday happenings at our centre. An essential characteristic of a reflective practitioner is open-mindedness and a willingness to see differences. Identifying areas for improvement as a reflective practitionerĪs an agent of change, a reflective practitioner observes critical incidents and challenges by taking a step back from the situation to see it through different lenses. “By collaborating and involving the children in our reflective practice on this observation, we came up with the idea to give our Treasure Cove children the choice of an indoor calming yoga session and outdoor play.” We recognise that older children still need the opportunity to rest and relax.” “Recent reflection on the activities in our Treasure Cove Studio raised our awareness as to how they were very busy. It shows they have a voice and that we are listening to it.” Reflecting with children is an incredible way to empower them. “Going through this planning cycle gives us a thorough opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on each aspect. Reflect – After implementing the change, we reflect again and more importantly, at this stage, we reflect with children.”.For example, it may only need a minimal amount of tweaking, or it could require a complete rethink. Respond – We understand if it was working or not and how we are going to respond to it.Recognise – We recognise if it has been successful, or if it is not working as well as we hoped.Notice – We notice what is happening through conversation.We use the planning cycle as a tool for reflection and a way of thinking: “We also use Kelly Goodsir’s Reflect and Review book. The document helps us to develop an understanding as to whether more time or one on one mentoring is needed.” “I complete the review with each studio as part of a collaborative meeting. I find it allows for insight into the process, wins and challenges.” “In my role as Educational Leader, I use our documentation review throughout the term for individual reflections of each studio. Learning about different techniques and sharing effective reflective practices can help Educators structure their approach as an agent of change. Reflective practise uses various cycles, models and tools. It’s easy to fall into the trap of reflecting on what didn’t work, rather than looking at what did and how we can grow from our experiences. We all use reflection in various ways for different things. Working closely with Kelly Goodsir, our team has adopted the approach of ‘notice, recognise, respond and reflect’ within every aspect of our day-to-day practice.”īenefits of reflective cycles, models and tools “Conversations are our go-to for this type of reflection because they facilitate rich questioning and multiple perspectives. “Our teams have regular reflective meetings in their studios to discuss viewpoints including strategies, process and transitions that pinpoint our strengths, what we need to improve and how we will do it,” says Danielle. It can be advantageous to hold a regular dedicated meeting for deeper reflective practice separate to those with an administrative focus. These may involve the whole centre or smaller groups. Regular team meetings provide opportunities where Educators engage in reflective practice. How Elderslie engages in reflective practice In this article, we spoke with Danielle Postaj, Centre Director and Educational Leader at Petit Early Learning Journey Elderslie on how her team engages in reflective practice and several strategies and techniques they use to stimulate ideas. It links to the National Quality Framework’s support for continuous quality improvement.Įducators are encouraged to explore what happens in their services, why different pedagogical approaches are more effective than others, to look inside one’s own experiences, thoughts and feelings to unpack what works or doesn’t work and how things could be improved. “It’s a personal awareness and self-examination of what is thought and done” that can result in intentional change.īeing open to ongoing learning and reflective practice is a fundamental part of the Early Years Learning Framework. Naomi McLeod on “The Reflexive Educator” in Empowering Early Childhood Educators (Routledge, 2019) believes Educators who engage in reflection can open up new ways of seeing and believing. By engaging in critical reflection, Educators are better informed when it comes to making decisions. Reflective practice in child care helps Educators to approach ongoing challenges, situations and ways of doing things.
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