A handbook for early childhood educators
Engaging in reflective practice is one of the five key principles outlined in the EYLF as guiding the professional practice of early years educators. Reflective Practice – Second edition develops the subject more thoroughly and includes three new chapters. It takes readers on a journey that will help them to gain a greater understanding of reflective practice and where it has come from, how it relates to their practice and how they can engage in reflection to build their own professional capability.
To help readers at the start of their journey, the book provides some background on the theories and concept of reflective practice, and how it has come to be seen as a key practice for early years educators. It asks readers, through a series of reflective questions, to think about their own practice and how they might engage in reflection because, as you will come to realise, it is something we all do as educators, although not always as a conscious and purposeful process.
There are also ideas, examples and practical suggestions for your own practice, many of which you are sure to have already thought of or tried. Engaging in reflective practice often means doing purposeful things that we already do by instinct. These reflective questions and purposeful activities can be used for self-reflection or in team or staff meetings.
Age suitability: Early Years (0-5)
About the Author:
Liz Rouse is a senior lecturer in early childhood at Deakin University, Australia, working with pre-service teachers gaining initial teacher education qualifications. Her main areas of teaching focus on developing professional practice of teachers, especially those working in early years classrooms. Elizabeth has over thirty years experience as a teacher, having spent many years working in early childhood settings, as a teacher in the early years of school as well as working with children and families who have additional learning needs.
