This blog looks at the importance of teacher self-reflection through the lens of absorption and why Swivl Robot + Reflectivity is the perfect tool for teachers to reflect, pause, and grow.
The teacher’s refrain of “not another thing” has never been more valid.
Over the past few years, educators have absorbed countless new ideas and had just as many demands on their energy.
Many have reacted by returning to the status quo, seeking stability and comfort. The theory of a pandemic-fuelled transformation in K-12 education overlooked the energy required for such a change.
At the same time, countless changes are happening in the world outside of schools and for the students inside them. Technology, culture, demographics, and more are all rapidly shifting. To prepare today’s students to succeed in tomorrow’s world, yesterday’s methods won’t all apply.
A result is a group of professionals facing challenges requiring adaptation, but many lacking the energy needed for such a change, at little to no fault of their own.
Stop Deflecting. Start Reflecting and Absorbing.
Deflection is the word Swivl has used to describe this situation.
Deflection is when educators block out new ideas because they lack the energy to work with them. Much of this deflection is a response to top-down ideas and initiatives. But not all.
Some individuals and groups within organisations have transformative ideas and the energy to implement them. These people have the potential to energise an organisation from within. However, these educators too often find their ideas deflected by others.
How can this situation be addressed? Through Reflection and Absorption.
“To absorb another’s work is to learn about it, grapple with it, and maybe even apply another’s ideas in your own work.”
Organisations must empower educators to regularly Reflect their ideas and energy to their colleagues. At the same time, they need a place and a process for those colleagues to Absorb, or work with, the ideas reflected by others. To absorb another’s work is to learn about it, grapple with it, and maybe even apply the ideas from that work to your own practice.
Educators almost unanimously value reflection – but too often the energy generated by their reflections goes unshared or deflected by others.
Reflection paired with absorption catalyses energy that individuals and organisations need to grow.
Energising Your Organisation
Teacher self-reflection must begin as a simple act to be a source of energy.
Swivl has helped thousands of educators reflect in a deep way, using video to record their practice and examine it, often with the help of a coach. We believe in this process and have industry-leading hardware and software to help you do it.
However, making reflection frequent requires distilling it to its essence.
The essence of teacher self-reflection begins with a pause. You take stock of where your energy is going and your energy level. When you share this by telling others what you’re working on, and how you feel about it, you’re adding energy to your organisation that your colleagues can absorb.
From there, you can go deeper on your own or collaborate with others. Either about your work or theirs. This is the start of more collaborative working relationships among colleagues. For leaders, this is the start of better decision-making and more informed support of those you lead.
With more energy, awareness and support, everyone is more receptive when legitimate needs to grow and adapt are presented.
Because they know there is a system in place for them to make sense of the change, and to get the energy and ideas required to make the change.
More information on Swivl can be found here.
*This blog is extracted from Swivl.
About Swivl
Swivl is a video solution designed exclusively for educators. The Swivl auto-tracking Robot makes it easy to record lessons. The accompanying Reflectivity app is a powerful tool for self-reflection, coaching and collaboration.
Whether you want to enhance your hybrid classroom, master teacher self-evaluation, or start your peer and mentor coaching journey, Swivl will help you find your purpose and focus on the joy of teaching.
AP Tech is the authorised Australian distributor of Swivl products. Every solution is backed by local warranty and support.
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