Teaching and Learning 

It is hard to believe that we are coming towards the end of term, and boy hasn’t it been an eventful one. 

I often take time to stop and reflect, which according to the Cambridge Dictionary means; reflect verb (THINK) to think carefully, especially about possibilities and opinions.

I read this a few times and it gives me great comfort that we here at Karoo PS continually accommodate Reflective Practice. This practice involves our teachers systematically reviewing their teaching and learning experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing teaching quality and student outcomes.  

I also thought about how we offer opportunities for our students to stop and reflect on their learning and I wanted to share why we value the importance in Reflective practices here at Karoo PS.

Reflective Practice 

Reflective practice is a learning strategy that promotes metacognition and develops students’ capacity for self-regulation.

What is it?

Reflective practice is a learner-centered strategy that helps students to make sense of what they are learning and engages them in deep learning. Reflection can be in-action and on-action:

• Reflection-in-action takes place while students are engaged in a practical activity and requires them to act on their reflection immediately
• Reflection-on-action invites students to reconsider and clarify a past event (for example a site visit, an in-class activity, or a practicum).

Students can also reflect on their prior knowledge to prepare for a ‘core’ activity. Reflection tasks encourage students to take a step back, observe, and evaluate their actions to either problem solve or gain a new perspective. Reflection works best when it is regular, scaffolded, and progressively develops in complexity. Through regular reflection, students engage in metacognition and become self-regulated learners.

Why is it useful? Benefits for students

• Assesses functioning knowledge, including application of skills and competencies
• Prompts metacognition, which, in turn, encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning
• Develops evaluative judgment through metacognition and analysis of their own thought process
• Promotes the development of professional identity through a reflection on a work placement or a practice simulation.

Benefits for educators

• Gives you access to the thought process of your students, which, in turn, facilitates an effective feedback loop.

How do I implement it?

To implement reflective practice, one strategy we use is to set a model for students’ reflections. This will prompt students what to include and give teachers a clear framework to assess the reflection. It will also help students who are less familiar with reflective tasks and unsure where to start. 

I would now like to invite you to hear from some of our wonderful students on their reflection of Term 1, 2025. Enjoy!

4M Sienna 

"I have enjoyed learning how to become faster at knowing my timetables. My favourite days were both World Maths Day and Harmony Day. I loved World Maths Day because it's my favourite subject and we were able to be creative. Harmony Day was great because we celebrated all different cultures, and we mixed up into different groups"

1G Charli 

"I have loved making new friends at Karoo and going to the library to find new books to read. I have also loved practicing my Speed Sound"

6W Blake 

" I have really enjoyed Camp because I got to go surfing and have a go on the giant swing and flying fox. I am also loving being Sports Captain"

FD Alice 

"My favourite thing has been playing with my friends. I have also liked learning about Milo's friends, my favourite is Nelly Numbat"

3M Danny

" I have loved Yr 3 and 4 Sport because it's so much fun and we get to try new sports we haven't played before'

2B Jacob

"My favourite thing in Grade 2 has been learning Maths and joining in PE because we get to play games and run around. Infinity Tag is my favourite"

I do wish everyone a very safe and happy Easter and I hope to see many of you at our annual Easter Parade.

Warm regards,

Peta Phillips

Acting Assistant Principal