Building on Reflective Practice: Reflection on Our teachers want to be the best - Book Report/Review Example

Building on Reflective Practice: Reflection on “Our teachers want to be the best” Reflection on “Our teachers want to be the best” In my reading and in class this week I learned crucial elements that need to be incorporated in teaching as a profession like adherence to ethical and moral standards of practice. I also learned that to ensure that the good practice is enforced, there should be a collaborative effort between the state and the teachers themselves. The state defines the ethical and moral codes of conduct; while the professionals “take responsibility for defining the optimal dimensions of the professional morality” (de Ruyter & Kole, 2010, p. 208). 1.

What are you learning about yourself from what you are reading/viewing/studying? I learned that teaching is one of the most revered professions because the demands and expectations from teachers are crucial. I realized that since teachers are direct providers of knowledge, they are supposed to be role models who must embody ideals of moral standards. Teachers must not only teach values and moral practices but also show through their actions that they reflect the appropriate attitudes according to moral principles and codes of ethical standards governed by the state.

So far, I can say that I am committed to the moral practices expected from the profession. 2. How are you seeking to answer those questions to become a better reflective practitioner? The article stirred my reflective skills in identifying any deviations I make; either in verbalizing thoughts, ideas, plans, attitudes and values versus those that I practice. The discussion of the authors on the relevance of aspirational dimension of professional morality expressed the importance of articulating moral standards so they can be enforced as part of our daily routine.

Likewise, I was made aware of the relevance of inter-collegiate reflection through dialogue and debate which gives a group of teachers the opportunity to reflect on “what their profession might contribute to the lives of pupils and the well-being of society” (de Ruyter & Kole, 2010, p. 214). 3. How has what you are reading shaped your ideas about what it would mean to be a teacher? The reading provided an important message that focuses on ideals of moral practices, of doing good (in words and deeds) and of embodying the appropriate stance expected of the teaching profession.

The author’s contentions reinforced the heavy accountability vested in the profession to manifest at all times, high ideals of conformity to the ethical and moral standards imposed by the state and the society. Teachers are expected to act according to moral characters at all times and to assist them, group reflection in discussion and debate would assist towards achieving professional ideals. Team Work Reflection The discussion on the importance of inter-collegiate reflection through dialogue and debate made me realize the relevance of teamwork and group discussion.

Although personal reflection has its benefits, the advantages given by group discussion are greater in terms of the possibility of generating diversity in responses and ideas. The authors’ comments acknowledging the potential difficulties for providing time for group reflection were noted. However, I agree with the authors as they indicated that the opportunity for dialogue must be “part and parcel of their position” (de Ruyter & Kole, 2010, p. 216). Meaning, both school administrators and teachers must schedule regular dialogues for group reflection on current experiences and ideas that they believe could enhance their ability to be instrumental in contributing towards the wellbeing of their students and of society, as a whole.

Reference de Ruyter, D., & Kole, J. (2010). Out teachers wantto be the best: on the necessity of intra- professional reflection about moral ideas of teaching. Teachers and Teaching: theory and practice , Volume 16, Number 2, 207-218.