Pre-service ESL teachers engaging in Reflective Practice: Current Observations and Perceived Challenges

This study aims to present the observations and perceived challenges of a group of English as a Second Language (ESL) pre-service teachers (PSTs) engaging in reflective practice in their practicum. Past studies have shown that PSTs are uncapable of reflecting on their practice at the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ong Wei Ann, Suyansah Swanto, Asma Al Saqqaf
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris 2018-12-01
Series:Journal of Research, Policy & Practice of Teachers & Teacher Education
Online Access:https://ejournal.upsi.edu.my/index.php/JRPPTTE/article/view/1868/1357
Description
Summary:This study aims to present the observations and perceived challenges of a group of English as a Second Language (ESL) pre-service teachers (PSTs) engaging in reflective practice in their practicum. Past studies have shown that PSTs are uncapable of reflecting on their practice at the critical level. Results from the online survey indicated that reflection thinking is one of the areas respondents opined that they need to improve. Analysis of their practicum reflection forms indicatedalow level of reflection shown by the respondents as they reflect on their lessons. Follow-up focus group interviews on the respondents’ reflective thinking revealed that respondents lack a clear grasp of what reflective thinking is about, and they also expressed their reluctance of reflecting with their peers on their lessons. The outcome of this study precipitates a need for PSTs to learn a strategy to conduct a critical reflection. Subsequently, it could be beneficial for the respondents to capitalise on peer feedback via an online platform as a means of improving their practice as ESL teachers.
ISSN:2232-0458
2550-1771