How to Write Your Reflection After a Lesson

[I am still waiting for news on posting. While I already know which state I have been posted to
(Kelantan, in case you didn't read my last post), there's still no definite news about which school it is
etc. I suppose there are a lot of meetings going on about it, so I hope we will have news soon, InsyaAllah.]
In the spirit of posting, as well as the fact that my TESL juniors are going to start their first day of
practicum this coming Monday, I'd like to write a non-news and practicum-based post, hoping it will
be useful for the girls and also anyone who will be going to practicum as well. I wish to share what I
experienced, and i hope it benefits anybody who needs some tips.
Basically, during practicum every teacher trainee has to keep and update a huge and heavy record
book which contains all your lesson plans. After each lesson, you must write a reflection in your record
book. Below are some tips and guidelines for writing your post-lesson reflection:
When to Write
This is important. Unless you have a class, meeting or other important activities, write your
reflection immediately after your class has ended. Find a nice and quite place to do this, but of
course you could do this in the staff room. I found the canteen at my school the most peaceful place to
write a reflection (but of course during lesson hours, if you were to do this during break when students
run amok while filling their tummies, it definitely wouldn't work!), though I only went there for this
purpose once or twice, which I regret. It's good to have some peace and quiet to mull over things.
Most importantly, you need to write while the memory is still fresh in your mind.
What to Write
Your reflection does not have to be too long. If it is, then it's fine but make it focused, don't ramble on
and on about unnecessary things. Don't make it too short either. Your main focus is on:

the weaknesses of your plan- perhaps how something you planned didn't work, or how you
forgot to include something in your plan

the mistakes that occurred in your lesson

strategies on making improvement for future lessons

By focusing on these areas, you will have a clear view of what to write and it will also benefit you in
planning your future lessons. You may also write about positive things that you noticed about the
lesson, but I like to focus on the mistakes because it helps me a lot and I don't want to write a 3-page
article instead of a simple reflection! Besides, you can write a longer reflection and include it in your
porfolio (find time to do this if you can, and you don't have to write by hand, you can always type it!).
Typing vs. Writing by Hand
My first reflections were typed because i didn't particularly like my handwriting and I also did not
follow my the tip, hoho (I waited until I got home to write the reflections! Bad idea.) However, it is
better to just write the reflections since you need to do it right away. Trust me!
Sample

To sum this post up, here is a sample of one of my own reflections, taken from my practicum record
book. It is not that good, but since it includes some feedback from my lecturer on it I think it suffices
for a sample.
UPDATE: I no longer have my practicum record book as one of my lecturers borrowed it and I don;t
think I'll be going back to my IPG in the near future to retrieve it. However, if anybody reading this
would like to share their reflections, please feel free to do so. Remember, we all learn from one
another!

Reflective Practitioner: What Should Teachers Think About?

My supervisor during practicum was Madam Jane. She was an excellent supervisor and I could write
one whole post about her. I feel blessed to have had her guidance throughout practicum, and I've yet
to buy her a gift to thank her! I hope any juniors who get her will learn as much as they can from Mdm
J.

Being the 'rajin' sort of lecturer that she was, she wrote down these question while observing my (or
my partner's, I don't remember) class. These questions are really good, and help you to think and
reflect upon your teaching. It would be good if you take the time to answer then, whoever you
supervisor is. You could also include this in your portfolio.

Reflective Practitioner
1. How can teachers create instructional opportunities that reflect an understanding of how all children
learn and develop?
2. How can teachers adequately address the enormous diversity of todays learners and approaches to
learning?
3. How can they use a variety of formal and informal assessment strategies to support the continuous
development of each learner?
4. How can we encourage teachers to be reflective, to inform their practice with a deep understanding of
how children learn and develop?
Reflective practitioner:
- theory and experience continuously informing and shaping each other
- constant back and forth between the teachers theories about learning and what is really happening
in the classroom
5. What teacher behaviours contribute to students achievement and success?

6. How can teachers engage in systematic inquiry that can help them improve their teaching in a way
that is more likely to ensure that kids get it?

Being the nice person that I am (ahhem!), I've also uploaded the questions in the form of a Microsoft
Word document. You can download it using the link below. Included is a mind-map, also by Mdm
Jane.