Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - EDUC 252 E100

Introduction to Reflective Practice (4)

Class Number: 4340

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Tue, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides opportunities for prospective educators to begin their development as reflective practitioners. Through readings, classroom activities and discussions, and interactions with students and practicing teachers, students will be exposed to various educational issues and questions. They will be given time to explore their own values and beliefs about education and teaching. Time may be spent observing in a selection of educational settings, and there may be opportunities to work with learners individually, and in small and large groups. Students enrolled in or with credit for EDUC 401, 402, 403 or holding a teaching certificate may not take this course for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This accelerated intersession course will be blended with in person and online learning, introducing students to the art of reflective practice that can be applied to and enacted in educational settings of wide varieties and venues. Reflective practice as theorized and practiced in this course rests on three foundational orientations:

  • Existential inquiry: Reflection starts with, and returns to, the self’s existential condition, questions, and quest in one’s real-world contexts.
  • Contemplative inquiry: Reflection is vitally supported and facilitated by contemplative inquires and practices, for which the self taps into different states of consciousness through engaging in contemplative (body-mind) practices.
  • World-centred learning: A reflective practitioner engages in world-centred educational practices and activities in which students encounter and explore real places, situations and environments and come to reflect on themselves in-relation to the world and all its dynamic, indeterminacy.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course aims to support you as learners in:

  • Developing an understanding of the profound connections between Indigenous people and their lands, recognizing the intrinsic value of these relationships in shaping cultural and environmental consciousness.
  • Gaining a nuanced understanding of storytelling and its pivotal role across various disciplines. Learn to apply storytelling as a reflective tool to enhance personal and professional narratives.
  • Exploring and appreciating the dynamic and reciprocal relationships between humans and nature as depicted in Indigenous narratives, recognizing traditional ecological knowledge's role in contemporary environmental stewardship.
  • Cultivating the ability to reflect critically on one’s learning processes and societal interactions. Utilize reflective practices to enhance self-awareness and foster an empathetic approach in professional and personal contexts.
  • Implementing and applying the concepts of courage and hope as methodologies for transformative education. Develop strategies to create learning environments that advocate for global citizenship, equity, justice, and sustainability

Grading

  • Creative Pairwise Land Acknowledgement Presentation 20%
  • Active participation of classroom activities and discussions 30%
  • In person pop quizzes x 5 15%
  • Collaborative Reflective Learning Presentation & Journaling (Online) 35%

NOTES:

There is no final exam. Grading components may be subject to change before the first week of class. In person pop quizzes are comprehension of reading materials - sometimes there are no right or wrong answers. This course is highly collaborative and experiential. Throughout the term, new experiences or different worldviews might be introduced. 

This course follows a condensed instructional schedule and incorporates a flexible, multimodal delivery model. Students will engage with course content through a combination of in person and asynchronous learning activities, including interactive discussions, guided readings, multimedia content, and collaborative tasks. Active participation in both scheduled and self-paced components is essential for success. Students are expected to manage their time effectively and engage with course materials and activities on a regular basis throughout the course duration. While the course is scheduled during evening time blocks, it emphasizes independent learning supported by targeted in person sessions. Students are expected to complete readings, reflections, and collaborative tasks each week through Canvas. 

REQUIREMENTS:

You must pass all of the grading components in this course in order to receive a grade.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Materials will be delivered on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.