Course Description
Provides a framework for teachers to become reflective practitioners to improve their practice by seeking information from scholarly literature, purposeful dialogue, and systematic problem-solving.
Athena Title
The Reflective Practitioner
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in WFED 8350E
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: 1. Define what it means to be a reflective practitioner. 2. Explain ways to develop the ability to become a reflective practitioner. 3. Understand theoretical backgrounds of reflective practice. 4. Understand the connection between reflective practice and action research. 5. Use existing knowledge bases to better understand classroom problems or goals. 6. Demonstrate ways to engage colleagues in reflective practice. 7. Apply methods of assessment to inform and shape reflective practice.
Topical Outline
1. Foundations of reflective practice. 2. Theoretical foundations of reflective practice (e.g., Baxter-Magolda; Mezirow; Cruickshank, Jenkins, Metcalf). 3. Explore the relationship between reflective practice and action research (Valli). 4. Explore the role of a Critical Friends Group in becoming a reflective practitioner. 5. Craft a plan to move toward becoming a reflective practitioner.