MODEL SAMPLE CRITICAL REFLECTION

Teacher Training

On Wednesday last our school had a teacher JCT training day. The school asked me would I like to
take part in it, and I was very happy to partake in the training. I personally feel that these training days
are very important to teachers as it can lead to an improvement in your teaching and can also make
you aware of methods or strategies that you might be missing out on. (McDermott, P. E. 2019) writes
‘By using communication skills between teachers during teacher training can enhance the practice
and discussion of theoretical models that can create optimum learning within the classroom’.
McDermott talks about how the teacher can improve their communication and listening skills while
training and that by using these skills have open their own teaching to new experiences and can help
improve their lessons and teaching styles. "Empowering educators through thoughtful and ongoing
training is the cornerstone of nurturing a community of learning where teachers inspire, adapt, and
grow alongside their students, fostering a future of endless possibilities." (McGarry, K. M., Kelley, M.
E., Sloman, K. N., & Albert, K. M. 2022). I believe that this quote sums up teacher training in that
training for teachers means that we can grow alongside the students we teach to give them the best
opportunity to develop skills to help them achieve their full potential. The training I took part in was a
full school training on the junior cycle and how we as teachers can improve our lessons and structure
within the classroom. We went through different learning techniques which suits all types of learners.
We then went through the key skills in the Junior cycle and how to carry them onto Senior cycle.
Teacher training days offer an opportunity for continuous growth. In the field of education, we can’t
just stay still and not chose to change things up. These days provide a platform to engage with new
methodologies, innovative technologies, and evolving pedagogical approaches. As educators, our
commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in our ability to adapt and grow alongside the ever-
changing landscape of education. On a personal level as a student teacher, it was really good to have
an opportunity for me to share some of the ideas which I use in my lessons and have qualified
teachers talk about implementing them in their own lessons. As a whole I believe that these training
days are crucial to improve as a teacher.

References

Training Teachers to Conduct Trial-Based Functional Analyses via Telehealth. (McGarry, K. M.,
Kelley, M. E., Sloman, K. N., & Albert, K. M. 2022).

Teacher Training: Perspectives, Implementation and Challenges (McDermott, P. E. 2019)