Reflection is an essential tool for educators striving to improve their teaching practices. It allows teachers to critically evaluate their actions, decisions, and outcomes in the classroom. The Driscoll Model of Reflection, with its three simple guiding questions—What? So what? Now what?—is an excellent framework for teachers to use in their reflective practices.
In this article, we will discuss how educators can use the Driscoll Model of Reflection to assess their teaching methods, identify areas for improvement, and develop new strategies for student success.
Applying the Driscoll Model in Education
Driscoll’s reflective model helps educators engage in a cycle of continuous improvement by addressing the following three stages:
- What?
- So What?
- Now What?
| Stage | Application in Teaching |
|---|---|
| What? | Reflect on a lesson, student interaction, or teaching experience |
| So What? | Analyze the impact of the event on student learning |
| Now What? | Create a plan for improving teaching practices |
1. What? – Identifying the Experience
Begin by recalling the specific teaching event or situation. This could be a particular lesson, a challenging student interaction, or even a team collaboration session.
Key Questions:
- What was the goal of the lesson?
- What actions did I take?
- What was the outcome?
Example:
You delivered a science lesson that didn’t engage your students as much as you expected. Start by describing what happened: “I introduced a new topic, but students seemed disinterested and didn’t participate actively.”
2. So What? – Understanding the Meaning
In this phase, reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and think about how the experience made you feel.
Key Questions:
- What went well during the lesson, and what could have been done differently?
- How did students respond to the content and teaching methods?
- What emotions did I experience during this event?
Example:
In the science lesson example, you might realize that the students didn’t fully grasp the topic, and perhaps your teaching method didn’t cater to different learning styles.
3. Now What? – Planning Future Actions
Finally, think about how you can improve. Reflecting on lessons from the past experience, consider the steps you’ll take moving forward.
Key Questions:
- How can I adapt my teaching methods in future lessons?
- What resources or strategies might enhance student engagement?
- How can I assess the success of the changes I make?
Enhancing Classroom Practices Through Reflection
1. Lesson Planning
Reflective practice can inform your future lesson planning. After each class, evaluate whether the lesson achieved its learning objectives and engage students. You can then use this insight to refine your approach in subsequent lessons.
2. Student Behavior and Engagement
Understanding why students behave in certain ways or respond to lessons can help teachers fine-tune their classroom management skills.
What? – Students were disruptive during a math lesson. So What? – They might have found the content too difficult or disengaging. Now What? – Plan to include more interactive activities in future lessons.
3. Professional Development
Regularly reflecting on your teaching can help identify areas where you could benefit from additional training or professional development.
What? – I struggled to explain a complex concept. So What? – I need to improve my subject matter expertise. Now What? – Enroll in a course to deepen my understanding of the topic.
Benefits of Using the Driscoll Model in Education
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Structured Reflection | The model offers a clear framework for teachers to evaluate their teaching practices systematically. |
| Promotes Growth | It encourages ongoing self-assessment and continuous improvement. |
| Improves Student Outcomes | By identifying areas for growth, teachers can better support student learning and engagement. |
| Boosts Confidence | Reflection helps educators recognize their strengths and build confidence in their abilities. |
Limitations and Challenges
While the Driscoll Model of Reflection can be very effective, there are a few challenges to consider:
-
Time Constraints: Teachers often have tight schedules, and finding time for regular reflection can be difficult. However, even brief reflections can provide valuable insights.
-
Depth of Reflection: The model’s simplicity might lead to superficial reflection. To avoid this, educators should ensure they fully engage with each question and consider the broader context of their actions.
| Limitation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Time constraints | Set aside small amounts of time after class for quick reflections. |
| Superficial reflection | Encourage deeper thought by discussing reflections with colleagues or mentors. |
Conclusion
The Driscoll Model of Reflection is a valuable tool for educators who want to enhance their teaching practices through reflective practice. By asking “What?”, “So What?”, and “Now What?”, teachers can assess their lessons, interactions, and classroom management to identify areas for growth. Reflective practice helps teachers become more effective educators, fosters a positive learning environment, and leads to improved student outcomes.
By making reflection a regular part of your teaching practice, you can continue to evolve and grow as an educator, ultimately benefiting both yourself and your students.
FAQ's
How do I apply the Driscoll Model to my studies?
You can use the Driscoll Model to reflect on assignments, group work, presentations, and even exam preparation. After each experience, ask yourself the three key questions to identify what you’ve learned and how you can improve.
Is the Driscoll Model useful in personal life as well?
Yes, the Driscoll Model is not just for academic or professional settings. It can be applied to personal experiences, relationships, and decision-making to foster personal growth.
What are some examples of using the Driscoll Model for reflection in university?
Examples include reflecting on feedback received from an essay, analyzing how a group project was handled, or reviewing your time management strategies during exam preparation.
How can the Driscoll Model help with improving my study habits?
By reflecting on past study sessions and outcomes, you can use the Driscoll Model to identify what study methods worked, why they were effective (or not), and how you can optimize your approach for future exams or assignments.
