Things I have learned (thus far)…reflections of an accounting academic

Abstract

Abstract The potential value of critical self-reflection in helping us (as educators) to monitor and assess aspects of our professional development is asserted by Brookfield (1995). As implied by the title, in this paper I share with readers self-reflections (or insights) regarding “things I have learned” over the course of both my professional and personal life. At a fundamental level, the paper asserts the merits of reflecting on and sharing one's own pursuits, and the potential value this sharing has on others in the academy – particularly younger accounting faculty (for development and mentoring purposes) as they themselves engage in critical self-reflection. Critical reflections are offered in each of six areas: importance of doing (seemingly) “little things” in life; forming and meeting expectations; focusing on the truly important things in life; insights from my role as a teacher; insights from my role as an administrator; and a lesson in humility. The paper includes a call for the future sharing of self-reflective insights by other accounting educators, including those of younger faculty, along with thoughts as to how this experience-sharing might be accomplished.