So, You Think You Can Teach? - Reflection Processes that Support Pre-Service Teachers’ Readiness for Field Experiences

Abstract

This paper discusses and examines the effectiveness of course assignments designed to promote reflection processes and critical thinking of pre-service teachers. Specifically, the study explores and identifies the range of students’ level of reflectivity and critical examination of their own developing pedagogy, with foci on content knowledge, dispositions and teaching skills. In general, initial findings indicate students’ levels of reflectivity ranged from “self” to “outside of self” to “beyond self” concerns or focus. Analysis further revealed that the students’ existing epistemological beliefs possibly mediate their level of reflectivity by either inhibiting the reflective process (most evident with those focused on task, grade, time, procedures and some performance concerns), or supported the reflective thinking flow (most evident through focus on interest, identity, expectations, relevancy, development, personal and student impact concerns).

Keywords

• reflection process
• critical thinking
• teaching readiness
• self awareness