Inventiveness

            Human beings in general are a very creative species. When allowed to excise this creativity people tend to learn better and the learning becomes more personal. In order to encourage, teach, and reward creativity in schools, inventiveness and imagination should not be quelled. The old form of school teaches that there is only one way to accomplish a task. But, as learned from the books we’ve read this semester, employers are now looking for people who can explore and devise new ways of accomplishing their goals. As a result of the world needing more and more people to take initiative, the “one way only” type of schooling is becoming defunct. Students can learn best when they are allowed to explore in the way that makes the most sense to them. When students are permitted to use their imaginations during the learning process, the door is opened to further learning. Creativity and imagination are derived from intrinsic motivation; they are their own reward. Children are still going to be creative even if they are not incessantly praised for it and are not intentionally taught how to use their imaginations. The best way to encourage the natural ability of human beings to use their imaginations and be creative is to simply allow those things to happen and to not assume that creativity and imagination are negative things. 

Reflectiveness

I think reflection is essential to the learning process and to the teaching process. When a person reflects on the information she or he was given, a deeper understanding of the material is achieved. During this process of reflection, facts gain personal significance and are added to the wealth of knowledge each student has. Facts, situations, opinions, and events that are not given any reflection are often easily and quickly forgotten. Also, there are times when a topic “clicks” only because a person reflects on it and it makes much more sense in retrospect.

            As a teacher, reflection is important too. Reflection is the key to improving job performance and establishing a good relationship with students. Reflection allows you to think back on your day and be honest with yourself. You can more clearly understand your successes and failures, your strengths and weakness, once you are removed from the situation itself. Then you can best decide how to use that knowledge at a later time. Reflection on your students is also good. Thinking about their behavior and receptiveness can help you understand how to best direct your teaching to suit their needs. Reflection can provide clues for when a student needs help, whether that is academic, psychological, or with relationships. As a teacher, reflection is necessary for your success and students’ success.