Sample Reflective Practice in Action.
**Date:** September 10, 2023
**Class:** 9th Grade English
**Topic:** Analyzing Literary Devices in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
**Reflective Practice Entry:**
**Preparation:**
Before today's class, I spent significant time preparing a lesson on literary devices in "To Kill a Mockingbird." I created a PowerPoint presentation with examples, discussion questions, and a short quiz at the end. I also printed excerpts from the novel for group analysis.
**Classroom Execution:**
The class began well with an engaging opening question about the use of symbolism in literature. Students seemed eager to participate and shared some insightful ideas. However, as we delved deeper into the topic, I noticed a few challenges:
**1. Time Management:** I underestimated the time needed for the group analysis of the novel excerpts. This left us rushed towards the end of the class.
**2. Inclusivity:** I observed that a couple of students were not actively participating in the group discussions. I need to find ways to involve them more effectively.
**3. Clarification:** Some students had questions about certain literary terms that I could have explained more clearly. I should remember to check for understanding more frequently.
**Reflection:**
Overall, I felt that the lesson had its strengths, particularly in engaging students initially. However, I need to improve on time management to ensure a more balanced class. Additionally, I must find strategies to encourage participation from all students, perhaps by diversifying group dynamics or using more inclusive questioning techniques. I'll also prepare a supplementary resource sheet for clarifying literary terms in the future.
**Action Plan:**
1. Adjust the lesson plan to allow for more time during group analysis activities.
2. Implement strategies to foster inclusivity, such as randomly assigning group members and providing alternative participation options.
3. Create a glossary of key literary terms to distribute to students for reference.
4. Seek feedback from students about their preferred learning styles and adjust my teaching strategies accordingly.
**Next Steps:**
I will implement these changes in the next class and monitor their impact on student engagement and comprehension. Additionally, I plan to schedule a peer observation with a colleague to gain further insights into my teaching methods.
Reflective practice allows me to continually adapt and enhance my teaching methods to better meet the needs of my students and create a more effective and inclusive learning environment.
