Why reflective practice?
Reflective practice means intentionally reviewing past experiences to strengthen future practice¹. Talk Trees support this process by making classroom talk visible through concrete, accessible data. Reviewing a Talk Tree can help you notice patterns, identify areas for growth, and set specific goals that are meaningful for your students and classroom context.
Talk Trees take an asset-based approach to reflection
Rather than focusing only on what went wrong, they celebrate moments when students shared ideas, built on one another’s thinking, and contributed to productive discussions. Noticing what is working can help you and your class understand which practices support productive talk and how to build on them.
Reflection can also support student agency
When students examine their own talk and set goals, they can develop greater ownership of their learning and a stronger voice in the classroom.
Check-in reflection
Think back to a recent lesson:
What is something you feel you did well?
How about a student strength you can highlight?
How might you get students thinking about their own strengths in class?
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H., (2007). The power of feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77 (1) pp. 81–112 DOI: 10.3102/003465430298487