As the new year approaches, many of us are reflecting on 2024 and planning on making some changes for next year. If you’re looking to become more reflective in your teaching practice next year, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Keep a Teaching Journal: Write daily or weekly reflections about what worked, what didn’t, and how students responded to your lessons. The Plan. Teach. Reflect. Planner & Journal is perfect for this because there are built-in spots for daily and weekly reflection.

2. Set Specific Goals: At the beginning of each quarter, set professional and personal goals. Reflect on your progress regularly and adjust as needed.

3. Ask for Feedback: Encourage students, colleagues, or supervisors to share constructive feedback on your teaching methods and classroom environment. You can give student surveys and have colleagues to observe your teaching. This is a great way to improve or validate what you’re doing!

4. Review Lesson Plans: After each lesson, jot down notes about what could be improved or enhanced for next time. There’s a space in the The Plan. Teach. Reflect. Planner & Journal for that too!

5. Use Video Recording: Record yourself teaching to observe your delivery, interactions, and areas for improvement.

6. Schedule Reflection Time: Dedicate 5–10 minutes each day or week to reflect on teaching experiences without distractions. I know…it can be hard to find the time, but it’s WELL worth it.

7. Engage in Peer Observation: Watch a colleague’s lesson to gather new ideas and pick out practices you can incorporate into your own teaching.

8. Analyze Student Outcomes: Reflect on student performance data and ask, “How can I better support their learning?” Performance data could be anything objective: exit tickets, quizzes, tests, or any other assignments.

What other tips would you add? Hope this was helpful!