ERIC Number: EJ975832
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jul
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-7069
EISSN: N/A
The Performance of Reflection: A Grounded Analysis of Prospective Teachers' ePortfolios
Thomas, Michael K.; Liu, Katrina
Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, v20 n3 p305-330 Jul 2012
This paper reports on a grounded theory analysis of prospective teachers' online reflections in an ePortfolio system as part of a university-based teacher preparation program requirement. Results indicate that prospective teachers tend to showcase or "sunshine" their teaching and learning experiences rather than reflect on them analytically and critically. This "sunshining" is accomplished by carelessly using academic buzzwords, whitewashing negative experiences by using down toners and blaming others for problems in their classrooms as expressed in their online reflections. The research also revealed some major reasons that contribute to why prospective teachers reflected in the way they did. This implies that authentic reflective processes must be better supported in online ePortfolio systems by teacher educators and ePortfolio designers. (Contains 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Preschool Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Reflective Teaching, Grounded Theory, Role of Education, Outcomes of Education, Teacher Competency Testing, Performance Based Assessment, Portfolio Assessment, Praxis, Instruction, Evaluative Thinking, Theory Practice Relationship, Teacher Educators
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 1545, Chesapeake, VA 23327. Tel: 757-366-5606; Fax: 703-997-8760; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A