Remembering to Schedule Time for Reflection
As the second week of classes starts in most higher-education institutions, calendars are
filling at a rapid pace with classes, meetings, workshops, extracurriculars- the list is endless. When academics try to structure their time
and make sure that everything fits in an intricate game of Jenga/Tetris it is
important to remember to schedule time for reflection. Taking time to reflect
in a busy schedule may seem luxurious and having time to reflect is not
at all a given for time poverty is a very much a reality for many.
Reflection is often in itself a concept framed by privilege, but is also a means to address one's privilege. Through reflection we can critically assess our actions, our
pedagogy, our curriculum, and the systems that we encounter on a daily basis. Reflection allows us to "bend back" as the etymology of the term reminds us- throwing light in the corners of our minds and calendars. Also
reflection does not require hours, but rather can be attained in a few directed
minutes.
It could be a simple as thinking about the following:
- Who is missing in the conversation you are having in a classroom or with colleagues? Who else needs to be at the table?
- How does your classroom space make you feel?
- What do you think would be a huge benefit to your research or pedagogy but have not had time to try?
- What books would you like to read? (Pick 3)
- What small thing can you do to help ground your pedagogy in mindfulness?
There are many of these kinds of questions that can cause
you to pause for 10 minutes and come back to the task at hand refreshed and
with a new perspective. So this week’s challenge is to answer one of the above
questions or maybe add your own reflective question and share it here on the
blog comments or on Twitter using the hashtag #SecondWeekReflection
Try taking some time either at lunchtime,
early before the day starts, or in the evening as you wind down your day. Finding
a network of people going through the same process is one way to add new insight to busy schedules, increase educational access, and learn collaboratively. Networks remind us how important it is to schedule time to reflect and be in the moment. Let me know how your reflection practices are going and I hope you have a great week!
Reference
Reflection. (2019). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved from
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