Reflection

Reflections on self –
As a Special Education teacher, I have found that throughout my experiences the

need to continuously reflect on my instruction and my student’s needs. I often question
whether my approach to teaching is making a difference. I have felt overwhelmed by the
endless writing of IEP’s, meetings, behaviors, and lack of motivation that I have
witnessed with some of my students. Through the challenges though I continue to
believe that special education is my calling. What I am finding is that no one approach
to my instruction will be sufficient.
Throughout this action research I have learned that my goal as an educator is to
support my students as best as I can. When I began really looking at what struggles my
students faced, I was able to get excited about the prospect of finding strategies that
would support them. I wanted to find supports that would go beyond their education.
When I learned about the potential positive impact of mindfulness, I was thrilled to
think that this could be something my students could benefit from. Being able to
introduce meditation to my students for the first time was exciting.
The joy that was brought by this research reminded me of why I went into
education. There is no question that this profession is challenging, and it will continue
to have its ups and downs. The excitement I was able to witness my students experience
though reminded me of what I can offer. Seeing my students be able to formulate a goal
for themselves and push towards it is rewarding. I know that I often question myself and
more than likely will continue to do so but I feel that because of this research a little
more confident in my abilities. I am looking forward to returning to school and being
able to continue with these strategies in place.
Reflections on learning –
While working with special education students with various disabilities I have
learned the importance of differentiation. At times this can be challenging, what I have
learned by this research though is how such various needs can be met with the use of
these strategies.
My students would come often to group from different classrooms, not knowing
what they may have just experienced, the expectation had been to dive into what we had
worked on the day before. My students had the routine down very well. When I really
think about all the things they possibly may be feeling, I realized how much they may
not be ready to learn at that time. Taking into consideration that these students are
leaving their classrooms where they are most overwhelmed and getting an opportunity
to breathe has made me realize how beneficial meditation at the start of group is.
Several of my students when doing meditation commented on how calm they felt. It
really made me think how often that feeling is not present when they are overwhelmed
by their circumstances.
Several of my students struggle with the idea of having to do something. When we
sat down together and discussed setting a goal of their choice it was interesting to see
how by giving them that ownership, they perceived it as less overwhelming. They were
able to discuss their steps in accomplishing their goals. The use of these strategies has
made me realize how much more of an importance needs to be placed on my student’s
emotional needs for them to grow.
Reflections on teaching –
When I started this action research, I sought out to answer: How I can motivate
students to want more for themselves when they daily encounter anxiety just by the
thought of an assignment? How could I implement strategies that will not only benefit
their education but be beneficial to their overall well-being and encourage students to
strive for more for themselves?
It is amazing to think how just a year ago I had contemplated over these
questions. By fully investing in seeking an answer has made such an impact. By having
implemented these strategies not only have my students benefited. I will go forward as
an educator with tools that I will continue use. Mindfulness and self-efficacy practices
come in many forms. Although I chose meditation and goal setting, I learned of other
instructional strategies that would enhance mindfulness and self-efficacy as well.
Having thought out how I could improve my student’s academics has led me to
understand how much more can be offered through multiple strategies.
Meditation allows for students to calm their minds, bodies, and allows for them
to be present. We want our students to be present as we teach. We all come to the
classroom with different perspectives. For a child that feels it is easier to shut down and
not even try why should I not provide a strategy that allows them to center themselves
and want to be present. For other children who have felt defeated by the challenge to
learn why not give them the ability to take charge by setting goals for themselves.
When looking at the future I intend to continue the use of these strategies. Seeing
the positive outcome in such a short time of use has made me hopeful of what more is to
potentially come.

Reflection

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Reflections on self –

As a Special Education teacher, I have found that throughout my experiences the

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