End of the Term Reflections

The last week of school before the winter break is usually a busy time full of finishing up tasks, festive activities, saying good-byes, planning for the second semester, etc, etc. However, as professionals, we all have to take a moment and reflect on our teaching and building rapport with our students, collaboration with colleagues, communicating with parents and many other important components that make us EDUCATORS.

As the dictionary says: Criticism doesn't necessarily mean negative judgments, although it is commonly understood to be so. The word has a negative connotation and traditionally creates tension and stress. The connection between criticism and critical is obvious and yet professional discussions of critical thinking among educators are usually very productive, exciting and provide an opportunity for professional growth. To change the perspective and possibly to avoid stress, we as teachers should remind ourselves that critical thinking results in constructive criticism.

If you want to change the world, start with changing yourself. In order to practice critical thinking skills and reflect on the past term or semester use self-criticism.

It is crucial to practice self-criticism consistently as only the continuity will provide the broad vision and awareness of how you are doing and what kind of corrections your ability as an educator requires. Often this much-needed broad vision is replaced by following trends, fake enthusiasm, and adopting modern strategies for a brief period of time. Without a reflection routine and logical and persistent self-criticism professional development is like a bouncing ball that eventually stops by itself if no force is applied to it.

Following these four steps will provide a framework for self-criticism and personal and professional growth:

·      Be honest with yourself and state the facts clearly;

·      Focus on your emotions and thoughts about your professional performance;

·      Make conclusions and become aware of the problems and successes;

·      Take action to eliminate the problems and celebrate successes.

Tatiana Stadnitski