Critical Reflections

There are three basic purposes for the written record: (1) as a way to help you
understand what you read, as well as understand the limits of your understanding,
(2) to provide a platform for conversation—to expand your own understanding by
way of understanding others and, (3) to demonstrate that you can and do engage in
critically reflective work.

Capture in language how and what you are struck by, what you wonder about, are
surprised about, confused about, are irked about—as you work through the
articles/readings.

Your reflections might be called what Foucault thought of as “archaeological work.”

You will be expected to both dig in and push beyond what is given in the text or your
own experience to examine what is assumed, desired or implied, to weigh up what is
said and meant, to identify larger trends and themes, to raise and wrestle with
questions of worth and/or “oughts” and “shoulds” or to decide on and make a case
for or against what is proposed. If possible, please blend the theoretical from our
readings with some of the practical experiences from your own teaching practice.
You may write in first person. Please include references where necessary
(references will be in addition to your one page reflection). Avoid sweeping
generalizations—these will be challenged. All claims need to be supported.

The criteria around which the Critical Reflections will be assessed are as follows:
o Is there substantive information present that demonstrates careful,
systematic reading (of text, of course text/talk): significant issues,
rationales, questions, actions and assumptions clearly identified and
articulated?
o Is there substantive information present that demonstrates careful,
systematic reading of self: where the reader/writer stands in relation to
the authoritative discourses represented in the readings/talk, e.g.
nascent understandings, confusions, wonderments, differences,
interests, commitments, emerging positions? Are these clearly
described?
o Is there an emerging ability to critically unpack what is said/not said,
justified, implied, desired and taken for granted—by the writer, by
others and, perhaps most importantly, by self.

Critical reflections should be approximately 250-500 words and posted in the

discussion forum for the week.

Criteria for Critical Reflections from Stordy, M. (2013). Ed 6630 Critical Issues in Mathematics Education.