Reflections provide opportunities for serious thought or consideration. Through pondering and contemplation, reflection empowers the thinker to evaluate, place judgement, and make future modifications. Journaling serves as one mode of reflection.
Counselors often advise clients to journal their thoughts and behaviors so the clients may record the present, learn from their past experiences, and make decisions regarding their futures. This process of writing, thinking, and changing allows for growth in all areas of life. I am going to apply it to teaching.
I currently teach elementary music and conduct a church orchestra. In the past, I have taught early childhood music classes, piano lessons, voice lessons, instrumental and vocal arranging, music theory, music education, choral music, and beginning band. I have worked in the private sector, religious realm, public school, and higher education. In doing so, I have learned . . . a lot. And I have realized that I have a lot . . . to learn.
What are the lessons I have to learn? I don’t know. Let’s find out.
“Education is not the preparation for life; education is life itself.”
– John Dewey, Democracy and Education, 1916.