This document discusses reflective teaching techniques for librarians. It provides information on journaling methods like free writing and using focused questions. Peer observation is described as an important reflective practice that involves preparation, observation, and post-observation discussion. Guidelines for effective peer observation include establishing goals and areas of focus. Additional reflective tools mentioned include teaching circles, video recording, portfolios, and combining various methods. Barriers to reflection like lack of time are addressed, and the document emphasizes that regularly reflecting on teaching is most important, regardless of method.

1. REFLECTIVE
TEACHING
Susan Murphy, Librarian
Lansing Community College
murphs12@lcc.edu

2. An unexamined life is
not worth living .
Socrates

3. Journaling
• Free write
• Dialogue
• Focused question
Techniques
• Structured tools

4. Journaling
Free writing
• Anything related to your teaching
• Pencil doesn’t leave the paper
• No mental editing
• Pause as little as possible
• Just write for 5 minutes

5. Peer
Observation
• Pre-requisites
o Willing colleagues with commitment to being
better teachers
o a shared understanding of peer observation what it is and isn’t
o and what are the “rules”
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Pre-observation
Observation
Post-observation
Best practices

6. Peer
Observation
Pre-Library Instruction Peer Observation Form
Questions
Pre-observation
2. What teaching/learning activities will take place?
1. What are the goals for the class that I will observe?
3. Will this class be typical of your teaching style? If
not, how and why?
4. What areas would you like me to focus on during
the observation? (It may be helpful to connect your
answer with the Classroom Observation form.)
5. Is there anything else I should be aware of prior to
the observation?

7. Peer
Observation
Pre-Library Instruction Peer Observation Form
Questions
Pre-observation
2. What teaching/learning activities will take place?
1. What are the goals for the class that I will observe?
3. Will this class be typical of your teaching style? If
not, how and why?
4. What areas would you like me to focus on during
the observation? (It may be helpful to connect your
answer with the Classroom Observation form.)
5. Is there anything else I should be aware of prior to
the observation?

8. Peer
Observation
Observation

9. Peer
Observation
Post-Observation
Best Practices
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Create a favorable environment.
Choose the right time.
Start the conversation.
Use effective communication skills.
Be positive and build on strengths.
Describe behavior.
Be specific and accurate.
Don’t compare.
Focus on the future.
Maintain confidentiality.

10. Teaching
Circles
• Circles are a great way to explore issues
with other brains
• Multiple models but needs some structure
to be successful
• A framing question is a good place to start
• 4-10 is usually a good size

11. Other
Tools
• Video
• Portfolios
• Combinations

12. Barriers to
Reflection
So…
• We know that it’s a good idea to
reflect on our teaching so why
don’t we?
• How can we work over under
through these barriers?

13. Presentation and documents
http://www.slideshare.net/SusanMurphyLCC
Resources
Documents include a list of books and
websites as well as documents such as peer
observation forms and best practices.

14. Conclusion
• What is most important is
not how you reflect but that
you do!
• Finally, take a minute and
write down
• one way you are going to reflect
on your instruction and
• how you are going to make it
happen