Tom Hanks doesn’t watch his own movies. Hanks says watching his own films would be a “horrible mistake.” He claims that he’s never seen “Forrest Gump,” “Philadelphia,” or “Cast Away,” each of which got him an Academy Award nomination. He says he doesn’t watch them, “because you never learn what to do. You only sort of learn what not to do.”

When it comes to professional development, observations are valuable. Both being observed by trusted colleagues and observing other skilled teachers can be helpful in developing our craft. I have received helpful feedback from respected colleagues, as well as drawing great ideas by observations. But after reading Tom Hank’s quote, now I’m not so sure. May it would be better to observe skilled teachers rather than reviewing videos of our own selves, getting feedback from observers.  What do you think?