Reflective Practice in Early Years Education

Reviewed by Mindi Schryer, Full-time Instructor, Northeastern Illinois University on 3/20/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text defines reflection and gives many examples of the meaning of it. It aligns theories to the topic as it specifies various reflective models. The text provides resources including self-assessment tools. As this book is geared toward early childhood professionals, it would have been helpful to see more resources specific to ECE throughout the text. I am referring to having more videos of young children and teachers. The text provides many links to ECE and other resources. Some of the resources such as "The Thinking Lens" could have been more explicitly used in the text.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The text and content are accurate. I appreciate the alignment to NAEYC Standards. There are many resources such as articles and videos. They fit in well with the topic. It appears to be unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The text provides a practical application to making reflection a regular part of one’s teaching. There are tools for self-assessment and logical sequential steps for this process. It is geared toward education. I would have liked to see some more explicit examples of reflecting in early childhood education. The resources are all relevant. It would be helpful for the authors to review some older materials and update the text with new ones. Connections to child development theories would make the relevance even stronger.

Clarity rating: 5

It was clear and easy to follow. The text began with defining reflection, describing the benefits, and aligning reflection with theories. It progressed from the why to what and how to become a reflective practitioner. Objectives were concise and each chapter followed a logical progression.

Consistency rating: 5

The format and design of the text was consistent throughout.

Modularity rating: 5

The text can be easily modularized to fit in-person, online and hybrid courses. Each chapter ends with a self-assessment which is a great way for students to reflect on and articulate their learning. Much of the text was devoted to discussing the benefits of reflection and theories that serve as models for reflection. Depending on the needs of students, I may choose to eliminate some of this material from my course and move on to implementation and practice.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text was organized well with a consistent format for each chapter. The resources are excellent. I would prefer to see some of the resources explicitly embedded in some of the chapters as opposed to simply providing a link.

Interface rating: 5

The text is set up for students to be active participants in their learning. There is an online module, various videos, and other resources for students. Navigating each topic or chapter can be done easily.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text was written simply and at a college level. It would be beneficial for teacher candidates and teachers.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

There was a link for anti-bias resources. I would recommend that instructors supplement the text with more information about an anti-bias curriculum as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. I additionally recommend that the authors embed this topic throughout the text as it applies to adults as well as children. The text was not insensitive or offensive. It would be helpful to recognize different cultures, implicit and explicit biases, and other DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) topics. Educators need to check their own biases when reflecting on their teaching and the children's learning.

Comments

The text is a great roadmap for learning about reflective practice and taking steps to make reflection a regular part of one’s routine. I would follow the sequence of the text and supplement it with more early childhood education videos of children so that students can practice reflecting on what they are teaching and what children are learning. I would also supplement the topic with protocols so that students can practice in a group with a clear focus. With that said, the text covers the why and the what of reflective practice. I would include more of the “how,” again with a focus on teaching young children.

Reviewed by Tiffiny Hilge, Adjunct instructor, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College on 12/15/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Self-reflection can lead to the development and improvement of professional skills. This textbook examines the role of reflective practice in the education field. The text begins by defining reflective practice and identifying the benefits the practice can bring to your professional competence. The different theories and reflective models are examined in the text. A range of methods by which you can incorporate reflection, whether it is in writing, with a professional group, or in social media formats, are also explored. There is a self-reflection assignment at the end of each chapter. This enables the student to reflect on their newly acquired knowledge in real-time.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

No errors were found.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

I found the written content to be relevant. Each chapter contains linked video and article resources. Those resources help to explain the topic and broaden the student's understanding. They are currently engaging and relevant. There is a concern that the resources could get outdated if not monitored by the publisher.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is an easy read and holds the reader's attention. Each chapter is broken into three parts: objective, lesson(s), and reflective practice. The first section identifies the learning objective. In the second section, you will find the lesson or lessons. Every lesson has a video link or "Dig Deeper"(or both) component that enables students to deepen their understanding of the lesson. The chapter concludes with a reflective practice activity.

Consistency rating: 5

The format is consistent.

Modularity rating: 5

Each chapter provides ample information but is also concise and to the point. There is no extra fluff.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization is easy to follow.

Interface rating: 5

No problems found.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No problems found.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

None noted.

Comments

Self-reflection can be beneficial to your professional growth. It is often a skill taught indirectly without much explanation as to why. There is often very little formal training or practice. This text can help bridge that gap between the concept of self-reflection and practicing the skills.

Reviewed by Bonnie Yoder, Instructor, James Madison University on 9/12/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Set up in ten interactive modules, this textbook provides both theory and practice in becoming a reflective educator. Each chapter contains a brief reading passage followed by a discussion question that could serve as a springboard for class discussion or an individual writing assignment.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The text appears to be accurate, error-free, and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Becoming a reflective teacher is a key dispositional skill for beginning teachers.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is easy to navigate and set up in a way that the reader can choose certain chapters or the entire text.

Consistency rating: 5

The organization of each chapter is consistent and user-friendly.

Modularity rating: 5

The organization of this text allows instructors to pick and choose relevant topics for their course. Set up in modules, this text could easily be adapted into an online, set-paced course.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text is set up in an organized fashion with a logical progression of topics and content.

Interface rating: 4

I did not notice any technical errors or issues.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

I noticed one minor grammatical error where a period was missing at the end of a sentence.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The author worked to include culturally sensitive examples. This is an area that can always be a work in progress.