CHCECE009Use an approved learning framework to guide practice

Q17 AT1

Read through the information below defining and describing the importance of self reflection.

Reflective practice and the frameworks

The EYLF promotes ongoing learning and reflective practice for educators in Principle 5.

"A lively culture of professional inquiry is established when early childhood educators and those with whom they work are all involved in an ongoing cycle of review through which current practices are examined, outcomes reviewed and new ideas generated. In such a climate, issues relating to curriculum quality, equity and children's wellbeing can be raised and debated".

The frameworks further define reflection as asking questions, gathering information, critically examining what is happening, and reflecting on what might be changed. This commonly takes place within the context of program planning, but it is also evident informally, as educators adjust their daily practice in response to evolving circumstances. For example, when an educator who usually supervises lunch and rest time with the toddler group notices that a number of the children are regularly falling asleep at the lunch table, and together with her colleagues decides to bring lunch time forward by half an hour, s/he has engaged in critical reflection, and used it as a method for quality improvement in the service. The Educators' Guide to the EYLF describes a number of features that contribute to the creation and maintenance group individual reflection.

To be a reflective professional involves stepping outside one's comfort zone to maintain continuous improvement. It can sometimes seem easier to keep things as they are, as looking for a better way involves added effort and an open mind. However, if educators do not maintain continuous improvement and keep the train of thought that the "way we have always done things has worked so far, so why bother to change", they are missing the opportunity to enrich their practice and promote improved outcomes for children and families.

Q.Describe how you will continually reflect on your own practices in the workplace.

Resources and Equipment to answer the above question.

In order to complete this unit of competency you are required to: read your textbook Kearns, K. (2017). Birth to Big School (4thed.) Cengage Learning. Refer to Chapter 7: Documentation and Planning and also access the following key resources: National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care the relevant approved learning framework under the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia (MTOP) the relevant approved learning framework used in the service if different from those above how to navigate through framework documents to find areas relevant to this unit of competency