Reading through Chapter 2 in Brookfield’s book talking mostly about how critical reflection is super important was interesting. I did not however find it uber enlightening. We are constantly being barraged with quotes from the media telling us to reflect on our lives, reflect on our actions, reflect on our goals. The idea of inner reflection is not a new one. I do see how as they say, teachers who choose not to reflect regularly can actually have a less enjoyable teaching experience. Yes it is always about the students, but I firmly believe the teacher should enjoy their job, and can enjoy their job with the right mindset. Continual growth is the spice of life, the spice that everybody around you can feel. So don’t be shy, get that feedback so you can experience that reflection. With the 3 levels of lenses that can help give feedback (students, colleagues and literature), you are bound to find some areas you didn’t quite realize you could be doing better at. Are you slowly letting the students be late after every class (even though you teach an employment preparation program)? Are the goals you’re making with students too large and scary for some, and they are nervous to speak up? All 3 of your lenses can offer an amazing map for how you can improve your craft, which in turn will make yours and the students days more enjoyable. Who doesn’t like going to work when they are good at their job? Below is a great example of some feedback from students. It’s a just for fun clip. And not how you should actually act. 

This work by Janessa Boomhour is marked with CC0 1.0.

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