Reflective Practice: Taking time to learn.
Do you struggle with documentation and reflections in practice?
It is important to reflect on your practices.
Reflections are an important part of the documentation cycle. So, what do we mean when we talk about reflective practice? Reflective practice can be defined as the capacity to reflect on action so as to engage in a process of continuous learning. According to one definition it involves “paying critical attention to the practical values and theories which inform everyday actions, by examining practice reflectively. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=reflective+practice+definition&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=ho_tVpOMBujfmAXZ6ZzYCQ
The definition of reflective practice.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) states that reflective practice is one of the principles that supports and enhances teaching and learning. “It is a form of ongoing learning that involves engaging with questions of philosophy, ethics and practice” (p. 13 Belonging, Being, Becoming. The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia).
The reflective process.
There are benefits in engaging in reflective practice including an increase in knowledge and skill development. It also supports educators to work collaboratively as a team. Finally, this leads to better outcomes for children, families and community.
Reflection in progress.
Here are some tips when completing reflective practices at your service.
Tip:
Keep an individual learning or reflective journal and endeavour to write in it on a daily practice. Here are some helpful questions to inspire you.
1) Did I organise my time well? (Time Management Strategies)
2) Did I communicate with the other educators during the routine?
3) Did I communicate and interact with the children in a positive way?
4) Were the children happy and settled in the environment? Did I foster Being, Belonging and Becoming?
5) Were the children given an opportunity to explore materials and their environment?
6) Were the children given an opportunity to engage with other children in play?
7) Could I have set up the experience or environment in a more engaging way?
8) Could I have provided more engaging, natural and recyclable materials for the children to explore?
9) Did my documentation of the children meet the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework and Standards (NQF/NQS)?
10) Did I provide learning for the best interests of the child?
11) Did I promote the importance of a healthy and safe environment to meet the wellbeing of children, other educators, parents, families and the community in general?
12) Did I reflect on my beliefs, values, theories during my practice?
Also refer to the questions in the document Belonging, Being and Becoming. The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (p. 13)
Reflect on your daily practices as a team and utilise staff meetings to discuss your reflective journal and brainstorm with others.
Practice makes perfect!
Reflections.
Refer to the below link for more inspiration. http://www.cscentral.org.au/Resources/Publications/reflective-practice.pdf