What is occurring when instructors mentally review and question their instruction?

The concept of reflective teaching encapsulates the practice of instructors thoughtfully reviewing and analyzing their own instructional methods and decisions. This process involves self-assessment and critical thinking, where educators consider the effectiveness of their teaching strategies, the engagement of their students, and the overall learning environment.

By engaging in reflective teaching, instructors can identify areas for improvement, adapt their approaches, and ultimately enhance the learning experience for their students. This ongoing cycle of reflection is vital for professional growth and effective pedagogy, as it encourages educators to be responsive to their students’ needs and to modify their techniques based on what they observe in their classrooms.

The other options, while related to instructional practices, do not fully capture the essence of the introspective process described. Continuous assessment focuses on evaluating student learning rather than the teacher's instructional methods. Instructional planning involves preparing lessons and setting objectives before teaching, while peer evaluation pertains to receiving feedback from other educators about one's teaching. These concepts do not encompass the proactive self-reflection inherent in reflective teaching.