There is one quality above all others that makes a good teacher: the ability to reflect on what, why, and how they do things and to adapt and develop their excellence in teaching.

But teacher reflection is essential for not only teachers. According to research by Prof. John Hattie, developing excellence in teaching has the single most powerful influence on student achievement.

When teachers collect information regarding activities in their classrooms and take the time to analyse them from a distance, they can identify more than just what worked and what didn’t. They will be able to look at the underlying principles and beliefs that define the way that they work. This kind of self-awareness is a powerful ally for a teacher, especially when so much of what and how they teach can change in the moment.