Entrance Slip - Sep 17

 1) Does this article 'speak to you' as a new teacher candidate in Vancouver in 2026, even though it was written in a different time and place? What in this article reaches or touches your life and ideas as a teacher candidate, and why? What seems dated or irrelevant, and why?


I am now learning what it takes to be a teacher, therefore yes, this essay connects within me. Prior reading the arrticle by Grant and Zeichner, I mainly saw teachers as people who pass on knowledge to students. I learned from the article that educators must be lifelong learners. I'm discovering as a prospective teacher that I won't always know what is most effective for every student. I must pay attention, keep a sense of curiosity, and be prepared to adjust my approach if needed ( not every strategy work on every student, some might need different approach). As a teacher candidate, I am now learning in classrooms equipped with technology and filled with students from diverse backgrounds. However, I still find the idea of reflective teaching relevant.


2) In what ways does this article help you develop your ideas about teacher inquiry and critical thinking -- both through points you agree with and those you may disagree with?


The article helped me see teacher inquiry as something I could include in my daily teaching. As a teacher candidate, I’m learning that not every lesson will go as planned, and instead of viewing it as a failure, I can reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what I could do differently. I agree with Grant and Zeichner that teachers should challenge their own teaching rather than simply using the same approaches because they are comfortable. At the same time, I believe it can be difficult to constantly adapt our teaching because we still have to follow the curriculum and school standards. This made me think that being a reflective teacher is about understanding why I make the decisions I do, rather than trying to change everything. This article encourages me to look more closely at my teaching practices and use my experiences to keep learning and improving.


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