Reflective dialogue for teacher development

Date of Award

7-1999

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Iffat Farah

Second Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Tashmin Khamis

Department

Institute for Educational Development, Pakistan

Abstract

Much has been said and written about reflective practice, and in particular reflective dialogue but this has largely been limited to the West. Reflective dialogue is still very much an unexplored area in teacher education in Pakistan. This study, therefore, set out to explore what effects if any. Reflective dialogue has on teachers in a private school in Karachi. The study engaged four teachers from both primary and secondary schools in the process of reflective dialogue. It then looked at the teachers' responses to the process of reflective dialogue and its corresponding effect on them. Data on the uptake of reflective dialogue by these teachers and its effect on them was collected through observations, interviews, dialogue journals and oral reflective sessions. Findings from the study indicate that reflective dialogue is an alternative teacher professional development strategy. In addition, the study reveals that certain personal and professional characteristics are prerequisites for teachers to engage in reflection. These are open-mindedness. Wholeheartedness, responsibility, a willingness to take risks and accessibility to alternate ways of teaching. Furthermore. The study shows that teacher improvement is dependent on both the acquisition of pedagogical skills and the ability to reflect. The study illustrates that reflective dialogue does not only improve classroom practice, but also has an impact on the teacher's person. The study also highlights the significance of the role played by those who help teachers to become reflective (reflective coaches). It identifies what kind of functions the reflective coach would be expected to play in a context like the one that was under study. Recommendations for further inquiry in reflective dialogue as well as ways by which reflective dialogue can become a reality in our schools have also been suggested.

This document is available in the relevant AKU library

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