Conceptual Framework: The Reflective Practitioner Department of Education The Catholic University of America

What is a conceptual framework? A tool that integrates philosophy with application A scaffolding device that allows more nuanced reflection and professional development

Dominant Theme of the Department of Education Conceptual Framework Reflective Practitioner A reflective practitioner considers the immediate and long-term consequences of all educational decisions with the goal of constant refinement of the teaching/learning process.

Dominant Theme of the Department of Education Conceptual Framework A reflective practitioner uses reflection in, on and for practice. In: during practice, what is working and why On: after practice, what worked and why For: before practice, what should work and why

How can we teach “reflective practice”? There are three main pieces: elements of the learning environment essential dilemmas of education reflective decision making process

Elements of the Learning Environment: What to think about Student Needs Diversity of Assessment Collaborative Practice Instructional Strategies Stakeholders Classroom Structures Discipline Knowledge Learner Personal Educational Beliefs

Personal Educational Beliefs How does one’s own beliefs and value systems impact the learning environment? What other major educational philosophies could be used to understand the teaching/learning process?

Diversity of Student Needs How does the intellectual, emotional, social, physical development as well as cultural and spiritual needs of students affect the teaching/learning process? What impact does a student’s interest, prior knowledge, exceptionalities and learning style have on his/her learning?

Stakeholders What people and institutions have a stake in what happens in the learning environment? How might the needs and expectations of other stakeholders affect the learner?

Collaborative Practice How are educational resources shared to benefit the learner? How does educational research inform classroom decisions? Note: cooperative learning – building new knowledge collaborative practice – sharing resources

Discipline Knowledge What knowledge, skills and/or dispositions was the educator trying to foster? How did the new material fit into overall goals of learning?

Instructional Strategies What instructional strategies were used? What other instructional strategies might have been used? How proficient is the teacher at implementing the chosen strategy?

Classroom Structures How did the educator work to maximize motivation while minimizing disruptive behavior in a positive learning environment? How did the physical environment and classroom or school policies impact the teaching/learning process?

Assessment What assessment strategies were used? What assessment strategies could have been used? How effective were the chosen strategies at evaluating student achievement?

Considering the Context School Community District / State Nation International

Educational Problems & Dilemmas Problems - clear, if difficult, solutions Dilemmas - values and needs in conflict with no single best answer

Reflecting on Dilemmas Various ethically defensible positions on educational dilemmas are possible Consider: Who should get the greatest amount of limited classroom resources: the strongest, the weakest or exactly the same for everyone? Why?

Reflecting on Dilemmas Berlak & Berlak (1981) described a method for understanding how educators chose solution strategies (essential educational questions) Classroom decisions can be viewed in terms of a set of philosophical positions – by understanding the range of possible positions it is possible to imagine other solution strategies

Grouping dilemma issues (examples) Societal Curriculum Control Should schools transmit culture or encourage change? How should resources be distributed? Should childhood be different than adulthood? Who controls time in class? Who sets standards in class? For what are schools (vs the parents vs the community) responsible? What is important to know? Is it more important to know or to do? Personally meaningful or publically valued?

Examples of Essential Question Teacher Control of Time Student Control of Time Teacher Control of Activities Student Control of Activities Whole Child Child as Student Personal Knowledge Public Knowledge

Using dilemma language to understand classroom choices WC T C St Public Personal T WC C St Public Personal Learner Learner Control of time Control of activities Whole child vs student Public vs Personal knowledge Who should choose the books for free reading time?

Decision-Making Process What to ask Philosophical Mode Interpretative Mode Reflective Practitioner Descriptive Mode

Descriptive Mode What is happening / has happened / should happen? (reflection in, on, and for practice) Not value decisions – statements of fact Key questions to ask What exactly is going on? What actions and behaviors are involved? What techniques are used? What techniques could have also been used? What external pressures are shaping classroom actions?

Interpretive Mode What meaning is conveyed to the student, teacher and other stakeholders? How can misunderstanding perspectives weaken the teaching/learning process? Key questions to ask What message was sent by this decision? How do individuals and groups experience events? How did individual interpretations impact the teaching/learning process?

Philosophical Mode What is the overall purpose of the teaching/learning process in and for society? What is being valued and emphasized? Key questions to ask Is this the most worthwhile solution and for whom? Does it have merit, value? By whose criteria or philosophy? Does it recognize each learner as a unique, spiritual being? Why is it “good” or “not good”? Is it ethical? Is it just?

Decision-Making Process Reflective practitioner (teacher, administrator, observer) is at center Each type of reflective questioning is considered a component of the decision-making process

Decision-Making Process All modes must be considered, and each adds to the understanding of the previously considered components Decisions occur when starting the next cycle, regardless of where you start – but process doesn’t end there! ITERATIVE!

Reflective Practice Moving steadily from practice to reflection and back to improve both reflection and practice requires tools – the conceptual framework is one such tool

NOT to determine the answer! Reflective Practice Each piece (element, essential dilemmas, and decision-making process) is designed to foster reflection, NOT to determine the answer!

Reflective Practice Any Questions?