For each portfolio artifact, candidates are asked to write a reflection explaining how the artifact represents their experience with and growth in understanding of the related professional standard. One challenge that comes with reflective writing is moving from descriptive reflection—explaining and describing—to critical reflection—analyzing and evaluating. The following chart shows some of the differences between descriptive and critical reflection:
Example of Descriptive Reflection:
Reflection: Reflect on the submission. Why does it demonstrate ability with the specific standard? Let the reviewer know why it provides evidence of your growth as a teacher.
I taught this lesson in my first methods placement, and I was very nervous about remembering all the details of the instructions and managing the classroom. I had witnessed my cooperating teacher struggling to manage the class, so I was nervous about my first lesson.
During the lesson, I gave the directions for the guided reading process and I also posted the directions on a PowerPoint slide. Even though I was nervous, I think providing the directions in two ways helped me and the students. After giving them directions, I began the guided reading activity by reading the first paragraph of an article aloud. Some of my students followed along and answered my follow up questions. I was frustrated that four students did not follow along, but I learned from the experience and was ready to engage these students for my next lesson.
Critique:
• There is some evidence of reflection in this example. The author identifies that she had witnessed her cooperating teacher’s experience with management and this was the cause of her nerves.
• The author identifies her feelings (nervous, frustrated) but does not clearly explain how these feelings may have impacted her teaching practice.
• The author states that she” learned from the experience” but does not say what she learned and how this impacted how she prepared for her next teaching opportunity.
Example of Critical Reflection:
Reflection: Reflect on the submission. Why does it demonstrate ability with the specific standard? Let the reviewer know why it provides evidence of your growth as a teacher.
This literary analysis was chosen because it represents my ability to not only comprehend a work of literature but also to consider the text using higher levels of thinking. I believe this analysis essay offers evidence of my capacity to examine areas of subject matter and critically analyze literature that would be implemented in a high school curriculum.
After reading Their Eyes Were Watching God, I looked at different literary elements that were strong in the text and chose to examine Hurston’s use of symbolism. Under consideration were three primary symbols: a pear tree, the horizon, and hair. By analyzing textual examples of each symbol, I was able to describe how symbolism reveals character development in the protagonist, leading her to independence and a true sense of identity.
Before this analysis was completed, I had limited exposure to literary analysis, and to be honest, I didn’t believe I needed more. However, after completing this analysis, I was able to see how even subtle instances of symbolism using an object as trivial as hair can act as a prominent means to relaying a message in literature.
Critique:
• This example demonstrates critical reflection. The author explains her reason for selecting the artifact and explains how it serves as evidence of her subject matter knowledge.
• In the second paragraph the author is very specific about how she analyzed the text and how through this process she developed a deeper understanding of character through her examination of symbols.
• In the last paragraph, the author is able to stand back and reflect on her growth of understanding as a result of completing this literary analysis.