Reflection plays a crucial role in teacher professional development, offering numerous benefits for educators. It allows teachers to make sense of their experiences, both academic and emotional, and helps them build metacognition skills. By reflecting on their teaching practices, teachers can consolidate new learning and gradually broaden their understanding of effective instructional strategies .
Reflection also contributes to teacher growth and balance. It nurtures teacher well-being and enhances professional development, creating a holistic approach to teaching. By engaging in reflection, teachers can identify areas for improvement, set authentic goals for professional improvement, and focus on specific areas during their teaching experiences .
Research has shown that the habit of reflection can separate extraordinary professionals from mediocre ones. It is considered a form of executive functioning and is an essential skill for effective leadership. By reflecting on their experiences, teachers can gain insights into their teaching practices, identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement, and make informed decisions about their instructional strategies.
To support teacher reflection, various strategies and models have been developed. Renowned teacher educators Fred Korthagen and Ellen Nuijten have outlined practical models and guidelines for use in the classroom. These strategies provide concrete tools for effective professional growth and demystify the process of teacher reflection .