Reflective Practice Essay: Applying Reflective Models in Teaching

This essay delves into reflective practice in education, focusing on Brookfield's theory of critical reflection and Dewey's model of reflection. It examines how Brookfield's theory emphasizes analyzing situations from multiple perspectives, including student, colleague, theoretical, and autobiographical lenses, to inform better teaching decisions. The essay then explores Dewey's cyclical model, which involves identifying problems, gathering evidence, seeking solutions, testing hypotheses, and implementing and evaluating approaches. The essay argues for the importance of these models in modern teaching, highlighting their utility in understanding student thought processes, tailoring learning materials, and designing effective learning programs. It discusses how the Dewey model can be used in designing, developing, and implementing learning programs, emphasizing the importance of structuring content, linking new information to existing knowledge, promoting in-depth understanding, incorporating learning activities, and assessing student progress. The essay concludes by underscoring the significance of these models in fostering a comprehensive and effective learning environment that addresses real-life problems and promotes student success.

Running Head: REFLECTIVE PRACTICE ESSAY 1
Reflective Practice Essay
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Reflective Practice Essay
Question one
Brookfield’s theory of critical reflection
According to the Brookfield theory, all situations should be considered from different
perspectives or vantage points. When subjected to a situation, and you are expected to learn from
it you are supposed to analyze it through the student’s view, colleague’ s view, the theoretical
view as well as the autobiographical lens (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). The autobiographical
lens allows you to apply the previous experiences you’ve gone through and realize how it has
affected what you just have seen.
The student’s view enables you to use their stories and understand their reaction. The
colleague’s view is also important since it accommodates how colleagues could view the same
situation (Shimon, 2019). The theoretical lens allows one to consult what previous literature says
about the same situation. These viewpoints help the teacher to make better decisions.
Oftentimes the teachers want to know why their students behave the way they do in every
situation that they face. Using the reflective theory gets the teacher to know exactly what it.
Consequently, they are equipped with the means of helping the learners out in all situations
(McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). I believe this is great help for the teaching profession. The
teachers know what they can do to inspire good performances amongst their learners.
Dewey’s model of reflection
According to this model, the reflection process goes through a cycle. First, the problem is
identified. This is normally manifested through a practical response to an event. This results in

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feelings being created and even confusion. The second stage entails making observations and
refining the idea. Technically, this is the stage where all evidence is gathered. Some of the events
in this stage can be discussing and thinking (Shimon, 2019). The end result is that the problem
becomes clear.
Thirdly, the possible solutions are sought as well as ways to find them. The idea here is to
put targets as indications of the achievements so far. Fourthly, hypothesis and scrutiny are
executed.
The essence of this stage is to interrogate whether that is the best way to do it. Also,
alternatives are sought. Lastly, the hypothesis is tested (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). The
approach is implemented. Also, the checks are made to ensure that it is the right thing to do at
the tie. This model proposes a very meticulous approach to reflecting on events. As a result, it
ensures a factual decision making process.
Question two
These two models are very important in modern day teaching. They provide the basis for
facilitators to analyze what the learners are going through. In so doing, they tailor the learning
material to meet the demands of the learners (Bachtiar et al, 2018). It also applies to my context.
Many at times the learners need some help in their work in order to get them on the right track
and that is why I have to thoroughly scrutinize all probabilities before making decisions.
I am convinced that facilitators should understand the thought processes of their learners.
I will use these models to achieve exactly this. For instance, I will consult all viewpoints of the
Brookfield theory in understanding why the learners are having difficulties while learning some
tasks. Also with consultations from the already established theories, I will seek more details on

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the same. Colleagues will help furnish my decisions. Other lenses proposed by the theory will
only help me become a better teacher.
The teaching profession requires patience and a better understanding of things. I believe
that to become a better practitioner, a mastery of these models is very necessary. The learner-
tutor interaction is anchored on trust (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). The learners understand and
trust that their tutor will help them overcome the obstacles they encounter on the way. The tutor
needs to know what to do at any time the students need help. These models come in handy
regarding this.
These models are useful in finding where the problem is regarding the learning
environment (Shimon, 2019). For instance, all events that happen within the learning
environment are important to the outcomes of the process. It is important that they are identified
and attended to. The models help in shaping them to be useful.
They help in gathering evidence that indeed there is a problem. Through engaging the
right senses, it is easier to know where the problem is. Incorporating the Brookfield theory,
makes it easy to understand what is nagging the learners. The aim of the learning process is to
ensure that the learners come out on top. As a result, these models can help to achieve that.
Through that incorporation of ideas generated from other perspectives, it is easier to
make the learning exercise enjoyable. For instances, colleagues can advise on where they see
weaknesses and end up adding more value to the process (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). Also,
before implementing any idea in the course of the learning process, these models help interrogate
to realize that indeed the said idea will help make the process better (Bachtiar et al, 2018). The
objective of the learning process is to make learner and the tutor are satisfied with the outcome.

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Apparently, they provide the perfect ground to know the weaknesses of the system, the
perfect solutions to the weaknesses, help in the implementation process and monitor to know
how effective the changes were (Bachtiar et al, 2018). Am certain that these models are there to
help the tutors to understand their students and come up with the best tutoring techniques that
will make the learners successful.
Question three
The Dewey reflection cycle is one of the most pivotal models to modern day teaching. As
illustrated above, it focuses on the events and what informs their happening. In the learning
environment, such a scan is important since it gives the tutor important insights on how they can
make the learning process successful. The following is an outline on how I can use this model in
designing, developing and implementing learning programs.
Designing the learning material- All concepts need to be structured in a manner that the
learners will find easy to absorb (Shimon, 2019). They should be arranged in a factual manner,
procedurally, and also ensure that the take care of the concern of the students. In this regard, the
Dewey model helps me in getting the facts right by interrogating all requisite ideas about the
learning material (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). As an instance, I have to ensure that the learners
find the content friendly to consume and that it will meet their needs. In this regard, all the
principles and ideas will have to be incorporated into the learning domain.
Learning should be an engaging experience in which both the learner and the tutor enjoy.
Therefore, any new idea that is to be introduced will be introduced at the basic level. All
complex concepts must follow this procedure. I believe in progression. This model helps me to
tailor all the ideas in a manner that the learners will benefit the most. Forcing them to understand

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complex problems will only make things difficult (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). In all
likelihood, they will grasp little of the content.
Using the prevailing theoretical framework: this is an essential part of the learning
process should be emphasized in the learning process. All ideas and knowledge that is being
transmitted from the tutor to the learner have a basis in the prevailing theoretical frameworks as
well as principles (Bachtiar et al, 2018). All ideas must be communicated in a manner that links
them to the prevailing knowledge.
New information must be linked to in a logical manner. They should follow a sequence
and be logical at the same time (Shimon, 2019). They should be in a way that new knowledge
builds on what was taught previously. The same idea applies to all grades. The learners will first
master the fundamentals of a given course and them later we will delve deeper into the complex
details of the same.
Research has established observing sequence and logical order is important to the
learners understating the course material. Building upon the previously studied material is
important since the learners already have an idea on the basis of the concepts. As a result, they
will understand it faster (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). I will ensure that the learning material
follows this sequence.
Emphasizing on understanding: the learning experience must always focus on ensuring
learners gain in-depth understanding of concepts rather than teaching irrelevant content. I always
insist that students should be given an opportunity to put into practice what they learned in class.
The skill they get is important that theory.

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As a result, more emphasis should be put in the skills. According to the learning model,
the students should be trained in a way that they personally engage all parts of the cycle
(Bachtiar et al, 2018). For instance, they should be able to identify the problem, formulate the
hypothesis, implement the ideas and interrogate their feasibility. This will demonstrate that they
understand what is being taught in class.
Learning activities should be more: learning is one way of training the learners how they
will apply themselves in the learning environment. Therefore, I normally structure the teaching
module in such a way that it accommodates as many learning activities as possible. They should
be real and simulate their real version (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). In this way, the leaner will
be in a position to solve a similar situation when they meet them in real life.
I believe that the best learning outcomes are realized when the learners know what they
are learning will be applied later in life (Bachtiar et al, 2018). With this understanding, they will
commit to learning. Consequently, the structuring of the content is very important. It should be
designed in a way that they absorb the content and later apply it in life.
It should emphasize on enabling the learners to apply these skills in real life. The aim of
the learning exercise is to enable the learners to apply the same skills in solving real-life
applications. If they are able to generalize these skills and find solutions to the problems they
face then the objectives of learning have been achieved. Understandably, learning is
contextualized (Shimon, 2019).This means that all problems are informed by the surrounding
factors. Thus, my aim is to enable the students to develop abilities to solve the real-life problems
in the context of their environment to make the learning exercise successful.

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Learning should entail all the elements that define a syllabus: for instance, these elements
are language, the necessary procedures of the learning process, the models of inquiring
knowledge as well as the ability to indeed verify the truth. All these should be done within the
prevailing confines of practice (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). For instance, if the teacher is able
to honor what these provisions stipulate then they would have embraced the right attributes of
professionalism. Such models as the Dewey are there provide guidelines on how these processes
can be handled.
To focus on the links between disciplines: apparently, despite the different units in the
learning experience, the objective to be to make the learners all-round once they are done with
school. As a result, the units are interdependent. In this regard, I ensure the learners are aware of
the links that exist between the units (Bachtiar et al, 2018). I this way the will combine them
during application. If they can do this in their real life then the learning exercise would have
come full cycle.
Assessing the progress of the learners: this is an important part of the learning process
that educators should put emphasis on in order to receive better learning outcomes (Shimon,
2019). It reflects on what the learners have grasped since the beginning of the course. I normally
assess the learners’ progress based on the course material as well as the premeditated learning
objectives. In the context of the Dewey model, I look at the way the learners apply themselves.
For instance, they should be able to apply all the stages of the theory. I believe that this should be
the ideal process of learning. Also assessing enables me to know what adjustments to ring and
also how to do that.
Sample learning program

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Introduction. All the basics are introduced at this stage. The learners are introduced to the
fundamentals of the course.
Complex elements. Once done with the introduction the complex elements are introduced, they
are then taken through the hard part. With a good interaction, they will find the going easy all
when it will come to the hard part (Bachtiar et al, 2018). At this point, the various theories and
models will be applied.
Application. This part entails the learners being subjected to simulated real-life problems. Here
they will express themselves as I, not the difficulties encountered.
Assessing. This part aims at reflecting on the skills they have learned and whether they are good
to go. Also, all the adjustments are made here.
Question Four
Professional practice is very critical at all times. This observation is because it determines
the future lives of the learners. Consequently, if they will be put through the appropriate teaching
methods then they will be successful and vice versa (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). As a result of
the tutors and facilitators in the learning process are supposed to ensure that they apply the right
pedagogical approaches that will help their learners master those skills. After this critical
reflection, I will make the following adjustments so as to improve the way I teach.
I will be more tolerant. The essence of this is that all students have special needs. Also,
they grasp the learning content at different rates. Therefore being tolerant will help me to
understand what their strengths and weaknesses (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). In this way, all
the necessary adjustments will be made so as to make them come out on top once done with their

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studies. Apparently, there is a need to understand what they are going through and how that will
be made to help them learn better.
I will put more emphasis on student experiences. These experiences are important since
they will determine how the learners master the content. If the experiences are better then they
will be okay in the long run. I will introduce all the necessary activities that will help them learn
better. Apparently, all the adjustments that will be made with the purpose of making them better
in the long run.
Through applying the Brookfield model I will accommodate all the perspectives while
teaching (Bachtiar et al, 2018). The learners, colleagues, theoretical and other perspectives are
important. They provide more ways of ensuring that the learners are properly facilitated. For
instance, putting oneself in the learners standing point is important since it will help in
understanding what they go through.
I will adopt technological ideas and establish useful connections with the learners. Apart
from just delivering content to the learners, I will establish helpful connections with the learners
(Shimon, 2019). I should be more accessible to them. There are times when learners could be
having difficulties but find consulting. In this regard, I will make myself more available to them
at all times.
I will be more observant on the student progress. The aim of the learning process is to
make the learners better (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). Thus, I will monitor them more to realize
every detail of their development. This will help me realize what changes I need to make them
better. Consistent with the learning models, I will help them master every single bit of their
aspects to ensure that they grasp more every day.

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I believe that these attributes will help me become a better professional than before. For
instance, previous I used to consult little. This is something that I believe greatly limited my
ability to express myself as a teacher (Bachtiar et al, 2018). Also I the ability to monitor the
progress of the students will be a great addition to my professional portfolio. These
improvements will help me become a better professional.
Question five
Personal reflection is very important in the process of improving as a professional. For
instance, the ability to interrogate my conduct will poke holes on my weaknesses (Bachtiar et al,
2018). This is fundamental to making real forward progress.
Sections 3 and 4 have been nothing but an eye opener on the nitty-gritty of good teaching
professional. I believe that all the ways of becoming a better teacher will help me to overcome
the weaknesses that I have exhibited before (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). Learners expected to
get along well with their teachers. I intend to do the same with my learners.
Reflections are like reality checks since an individual gets to know their standing. The
ability to reflect is an indication of how one wants to improve. Previous I used to overlook what
colleagues said (Shimon, 2019). However, I have come to realize that they stand in a good
position to advice whenever I get difficulties. Also, by making the proposed adjustments will
help me to overcome the fears used to feel previously.
As they say that the teaching profession is a calling. All teachers are expected to be good
custodians of education. They can only achieve this by making the right calls all the time. The
learners depend on them to absorb the course material. Through the recommended changes, I

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intend to be the best teacher that my learners can have. I want to be reliable to them and ensure
that they are always in a good standing to solve problems in real life.
Apparently, this can only be done is the right pedagogical approaches are employed.
Reflection enables one to know what to do to become better. For my case, I will aim to
implement all the changes (Shimon, 2019). I know what I want and my learners too. Thus then
learning experience will be hugely productive as a result of the consultations. There are some
parts of the models that I could come short previously.
These will be my focus areas. At the same time, I will fix deadlines on the deliverables
that will have to achieve after a specific period (McLaughlan & Lodge, 2019). I will be glad if I
will achieve them. Also, it will have my learners work with deadlines too. This will form the
basis of all the adjustments that will be rolled out afterward.

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