Silkysteps early years forum - planning ideas for play - View Single Post

#5 10-31-2008, 12:38 AM

K4P814

Quote:

Reflection informs us where we need further training or guidance. Once we have utilised this knowledge and gained further training successfully it empowers us and makes us feel good. It will motivate us to continue our learning. We will feel inspired to progress further and give us the confidence to try something new. We will develop a ‘can do’ attitude to our learning.
We will have the enthusiasm to continue and build on the knowledge we already have.
We can hold our own at a management meeting or conferences with outside agencies or other Early Years Educators.

K4D815
Techniques of reflective analysis
• Questioning- establish what it is we are reflecting on, this starts the thought process of why we did it and how. The questioning is the beginning of the reflecting process.
• Seeking alternatives- realising there could be better ways of doing it, check the correct way to ensure problems don’t reoccur.
• Keep an open mind- do not be judgemental, other people may have different ideas or perceive your ideas differently. Others may have more knowledge than us.
• View from different perspectives-Ask for feedback from colleagues- what did I do that they didn’t like or agree with. How would they suggest I could improve?
• Thinking about consequences-Think what happens if? Worse case scenarios to alleviate any problems. Health and safety implications.
• Testing Ideas, compare and contrast- think about different scenarios. Talk to colleagues. Trial and error- reflect next time do we need less children, more adults, more space etc.
• Ask what if? - pre-empt any difficulties. Think about best and worst case scenarios. Relate to Health and Safety policies and procedures. What happens if staff members off sick etc.
• Synthesising ideas- collaborate and combine ideas with other members of staff- involve all. Draw on the personal experience of others and ensure similar mistakes don’t happen again.
• Seeking, identifying and resolving problems- Be prepared for any problem that arises by observing and assessing each situation. Keep a watchful eye and deal with any problems ASAP- if you see a new toy may cause a problem, ask why and find a way to alleviate the problem. Does it require more adult supervision, a step to reach, further support, safety mats etc.