Reflect on Effective Teaching

            Chapter three is about reflecting of effective teaching, which can provide valuable information to the teacher to improve their classroom effectiveness.  The chapter addresses six dimensions of effective teaching, which includes planning and preparation, managing the classroom environment, providing quality instruction, assessing student outcomes, pursuing professional responsibilities, and engaging in reflective practice.

            Planning and preparation is the first dimension and it directs the educator to take great care in aligning instruction with preset, effective pedagogical standards.  There are standards for instruction and for the teaching profession.  Standards instill a quality in both the teaching and learning process that may not be present or apparent.  One of the most important parts in the teaching process is planning for instruction.  There are also national standards for the teaching profession which provides the foundation for identifying excellent teaching.  These standards include INTASC standards and NABTE standards.

            The next step is managing the classroom environment.  Teachers must provide a classroom with an environment that is conducive to learning.  Effective classroom management occurs when a teacher consistently prepares well-planned lessons and materials; provides a positive supportive atmosphere for learning; establishes and reinforces classroom procedures and rules; and deals quickly and firmly with distractions and inappropriate student behaviors.

            Providing quality instruction is another important step.  This has an effect on student learning and warrants attention and exploration.  There are many different ways of instruction teachers can use.  The book describes many great strategies that teacher can use and that are effective.

            Assessing student outcomes is the next step in the process of developing optimal teaching strategies.  There are two methods that can be used which are peer evaluation and self-evaluation.  Teachers can also use rubrics or scoring guides to assess students.

            Professional responsibility is another way to improve teacher effectiveness.  This basically means that educators continue to learn and grow in every possible capacity to enhance their own lives as well as the lives of their students by improving their learning outcomes.

            Engaging in reflective practice is very important in improving effectiveness.  Teachers should reflect on their teaching that day and analyze how they did and what they can do differently.

            There is always ways for teachers to improve how they teach and being an effective teacher.  Reflection tells teachers what has been learned, what changes need to take place, and what improvements need to be made to ensure more effective teaching and learning.  This chapter definitely makes me realize how to be an effective teacher when I am in the classroom.  I know that it will take time and experience to be a great teacher, but this chapter helps me understand what I will be doing wrong and how I can improve my teaching.

Fisher, D., Rouse, S. E., Davis, L. (2007). Reflect on Effective Teaching. In M.L. Bush (Ed.), Assessment for an Evolving Business Education Curriculum (pp. 28-40). Reston, VA: National Business Education Association