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Teachers need to continuously monitor and evaluate their teaching techniques so that they can better prepare themselves to address unpredictable situations, as well as set realistic expectations for themselves and their students. The ultimate objective is to improve the quality of the service that is being provided and guarantee the effectiveness of the overall environment, resources, communication and teaching techniques. A self analysis is really also about identifying thinking patterns and habits that are counterproductive and why and how they can be managed. What is more, the practice of self analysis certainly generates more motivation to dig deeper and begin identifying and addressing problems/drawbacks; ultimately, this entails actually taking ownership, responsibility and control of personal behaviour and classroom performance. I think it is important for teachers to be open to the use of new and different self analysis techniques and to track their progress in order to be able to take note of how they have changed and improved their teaching styles and classroom content over time. Moreover, it is certainly a good idea to try to combine situational (in the moment) reflection with post-situational reflections. On that note, it has even been recommended that teachers take videos of themselves teaching a lesson in order to improve the whole process of self review. Perhaps also keeping a daily diary can help the overall self reflection process. Additionally, teachers could and should also develop group-based sessions in which they would have the space to share their experiences and best practices, as well as reflect collectively on their individual self assessments. The regular practice of self analysis should improve our own self awareness; greater self awareness is about accepting and learning from our own mistakes, becoming more aware of our own unconscious biases and improving our emotional intelligence. It is rather curious that the topic of teacher self analysis seems far less “popularized” in the media and on the internet in comparison to student self analysis. It is fundamental for students to be aware of themselves and those in their lives as human beings with strengths/weaknesses, interests, preferences, ambitions; self reflection opens up boundless opportunities for personal discovery and both personal and professional growth and development. Regular introspection/reflection is part of the active learning process and it is critical for our wellbeing in today´s fast paced world that emphasises the entrepreneurial mindset. Self-awareness and self review is the key to critical and creative thinking, problem solving, initiative and adaptability; it is also essential for a culture of effective teamwork and networking. Teachers really do need to teach students how to do self and peer assessments so that they can identify their personal good practices and areas in need of improvement. Instructors should share among themselves and with their students their personal experiences with the self-assessment process. A healthy learning environment requires that students practice giving and receiving constructive reviews on a regular basis. However, the only way that teachers can impart the values and techniques of self analysis and constructive feedback to their students is if they practice it themselves. I believe that teachers can effectively coach and facilitate student introspection if they too have undertaken regular self-assessments.
