Grant and Zeichner raise the important question of how to be a reflective teacher through various aspects. The relationship between teachers and students is a two-way street, and this kind of interaction happens on a daily basis. It is essential for teachers to adapt, evolve and develop their teaching for the purpose of helping students succeed academically. My personal challenge in becoming a reflective teacher is to take criticisms constructively. My first job was as a barista at a local cafe. Though there were perks at the job such as opportunities to learn coffee art, I struggled with taking criticism in a constructive way. During the training period, whenever my supervisor pointed out my mistakes, I got frustrated and disheartened by my lack of experience. When dealing with demanding customers, I became devastated over my inability to handle difficult situations with grace. It was until I learned to reflect on my own mistakes, rather than focusing on my negative responses to failures, that I began to actually make progress as a professional barista.
Learning how to respond to criticism remains a proud personal accomplishment. I believe this mindset applies to my identity as a teacher. Going forward in my teaching practice and training, I know there will be more challenges and frustrations encountered, and to be overcome. For now, I’m confident in persistence and courage to face them properly, buoyed by previous, albeit humble, successes.
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