Dear Editor,

Schools across Jamaica are busy wrapping up plans for the 2025/2026 academic year this week.

While that’s going on, it’s crucial to talk about the need for a reflective approach to classroom management. This method helps teachers look back on their teaching strategies and figure out what’s working and what’s not. By reflecting, educators can tweak their lessons to enhance the learning experience for their students.

Taking a reflective approach means teachers really think about how they interact with students, which helps build strong relationships. These connections are vital for creating a classroom in which every child feels valued and comfortable sharing his/her thoughts. When students feel heard, they’re more likely to get involved in their learning, making for a positive classroom culture.

Also, teaching is more than just delivering lessons. It’s about setting clear expectations that encourage good behaviour and help students reach their full potential. Teachers juggle different personalities, learning styles, and cultural backgrounds, which makes managing a classroom a mix of skill and strategy. It calls for creativity and flexibility as well as finding ways to meet each student’s unique needs.

Instead of just hoping for better student performance, educators should take a proactive approach. This means encouraging students to take charge of their own learning journey. Reflecting on teaching methods isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. Educators should dive into current research, attend relevant workshops, and explore professional development opportunities to enhance their practice. Plus setting aside time to review past lessons, get feedback from colleagues, and discover new techniques to use in class are all key parts of this reflective process.

Being reflective isn’t just important, it’s the secret sauce for helping every child reach their full potential. By embracing this approach, educators can create engaging and adaptable learning environments in which all students can thrive.

Ricardo Smith

Senior educator and social scientist

ricardo.professional.edu@gmail.com