Trainee teachers experience of reflection Context Cert Ed

Trainee teachers’ experience of reflection Context: Cert Ed & PGCE for PCET Informal student experiences My own experience training pre/post Schön Psychology – personal and social constructions –constructivist/constructionist. . Liz Mc. Kenzie 2009

Trainee teachers’ experience of reflection: Reflection Teachers as ‘reflective practitioners’ Nature of the process Metaphor implies static image § Individual introspection – personal –Dewey (1933) § Role of writing – personal/social – Bolton (2001; 2005) § Discussion with others – social -Brockbank & Mc. Gill, (1998). . Liz Mc. Kenzie 2009

Trainee teachers’ experience of reflection: Models of reflection: Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning cycle Schon (1983) - reflection-in/on action Boud et al Experience - - reflective conversations (1985) stages Returning to Experience Liz Mc. Kenzie 2009 - Outcomes

Trainee teachers’ experience of reflection: Levels of reflection - usually start with practical, technical aspects of teaching, moving to evaluation of events within a wider context, beyond the immediate practice. Lower levels most used by trainees – focus on practice (Ward & Mc. Cotter, 2004). No indication of: § § How progression happens, Timescale Optimum proportions Desirable or essential. . Liz Mc. Kenzie 2009

Trainee teachers’ experience of reflection: Do we all reflect? Moon (2004, p 1) suggests “we all reflect”, but she and others consider individual differences in the capacity for reflection § Differences between individuals in approaches/capacity for reflection (Boud et al, 1985 b; Griffin, 2003). § Differences within individuals at different times/stages in career (Day, 1995) (Implications for teacher education? ). . Liz Mc. Kenzie 2009

Trainee teachers’ experience of reflection: . Reflection is a complex area! Diversity – lively area of debate (Tummons, 2007) Or Ambiguity – resulting in confusion (Jay & Johnson, 2002). . Liz Mc. Kenzie 2009