One prompt from this week’s challenge is “What elements of the “8 Things to Look For in Today’s Classrooms” exist in your professional learning? What elements are lacking?”
First, I have to admit that I am finally catching up on my reading of the book. I have been enjoying looking at tweets, others’ blogs, and the weekly live shows, but had not spent much time with the book. Normally, when I sit down to read, I much prefer fiction. I value nonfiction tremendously, but have a difficult time skipping over the latest novel I’m reading to pick up nonfiction. But I’m so glad I made the effort with The Innovator’s Mindset.
One of the “8 Things to Look for in Today’s Classroom” that I feel has been lacking for me is the time for reflection. But this MOOC has helped me focus on reflection.
In addition, I have just complete
d a yearlong leadership program with the SC State Dept of Education. One key component of that program was reflection. We started each session with “Community in Silence” time – a time to stop and think about why we were there, what we had been working on and what we hoped to accomplish.
Each session also had time built in for writing reflections. I have learned through practice how important time for reflection is.
We often do not take the time to reflect and that’s something we must do as educators and we must help our students do. Not just help, but provide time for it.
George Couros includes the quotation “We do not learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience.”
That is a great lifelong lesson.
Reflections of an Instructional Coach 
So true, we need to take time to reflect on what we have accomplished, what didn’t work, what did, and what would we do differently in the future. There is power in the pause.
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