Reflective Practice Research Articles

Integrating Multiple Theories: A Holistic Approach to Knowledge Acquisition for Senior Citizen Teachers

The article explores key theories such as Piaget's Cognitive Development, Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, Bruner's Constructivist Theory, Information Processing Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Schema Theory, Experiential Learning Theory and Connectivism. Each theory's core concepts are analysed in the context of senior citizen teachers, highlighting their unique contributions to knowledge acquisition. The value of integrating multiple theories is discussed aiming to develop comprehensive framework. This integration explores the diverse learning needs of senior citizen teachers emphasizing social and cultural contexts, cognitive development stages, active learning strategies and technology integration. Through holistic approach, senior citizen teachers can enhance their teaching practices, boost student engagement and promote lifelong learning. Practical strategies for incorporating these theories include collaborative learning activities, experiential projects, reflective practices and digital resource utilization. Ultimately, the article advocates for a broad understanding of knowledge acquisition theories and their application in senior citizen education. By embracing this approach, senior citizen teachers can create enriching learning environments fostering personal and professional growth.

An exploration of pre-school teacher's experiences of using play-based approaches to develop language and literacy skills within their classrooms of children aged two to five years

In the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs recommends implementing play-based learning in early education curricula. This research study set out to explore the following research question: What are pre-school teachers’ beliefs, understandings and uses of play-based approaches to develop language and literacy skills in their classrooms? For this study, the term pre-school refers to the age category of children from 2 years and 8 months to 5 years of age. This age cohort is the age of eligibility for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme in Ireland which provides financial support for 2 years of early childhood care and education for children aged 2.5 to 5 years of age. This study aimed to explore the tools pre-school teachers used to implement play-based approaches in their classrooms; the challenges and facilitators they perceived when implementing play-based approaches, and to understand how play-based approaches were implemented specifically for language and literacy development. The study design was qualitative and nine semi-structured interviews were completed with pre-school teachers. Results from the thematic analysis highlighted the three themes: (1) Learning Through Play, (2) What Influences Play and (3) Making Sense of Play Through Reflective Practice. These three themes consist of several sub-themes which are evident throughout each theme. The results of this study showed that pre-school teachers have a positive view towards play-based approaches for children's language and literacy development. However, they were unsure about implementing play-based approaches with other curriculum models. Challenges such as settings’ philosophies and parents’ expectations emerged as key elements of pre-school teachers’ experiences of using play-based approaches.

Exploring Emotional Vulnerability and Sense of Agency in the Digital Realm: A Three-Year Case Study of an EFL Teacher in South Korea

This study presents the findings from a longitudinal case study on a Korean English teacher’s experience of emotional vulnerability and professional development in online teaching. Grounded in an ecological perspective on teacher agency and emotional vulnerability, the study investigates how and why the teacher exercised agency in navigating her emotional challenges and adapting to the virtual teaching environment. Data were collected from various sources, including interviews, observations, field notes, and artifacts, for three years. The findings showed that the intricate connection between the teacher’s multiple and dynamic emotions, beliefs, and concurrent working environments significantly influences her engagement in digital teaching practices. Furthermore, the teacher’s emotional vulnerability in virtual teaching facilitated her engagement in reflective and action-oriented practices, leading to a more proactive approach to exploring and implementing alternative teaching methods online. The findings highlight the interplay between emotions, agency, and identity development, emphasizing the importance of experiencing, understanding, negotiating, and expressing emotions to discover potential alternative teaching resources and methods in ever-changing teaching environments. This study provides insights into how teachers can leverage their emotions and exercise teacher agency to enhance their professional growth and adaptability in digital learning environments.

Exploring High School Economics Teachers’ Curriculum Implementation Practices: A Case of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa

This empirical study explored high school Economics teachers’ curriculum implementation practices in South Africa. The research focused on a sample of three Economics teachers purposefully selected from three schools in the Northern Cape province. Drawing on the theoretical framework of Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) and adopting a qualitative approach, the study employed a case study design.To get insight on the Economics teachers’ curriculum practices, semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis were used to generate data from the selected high school Economics teachers. Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis were followed in analysing the triangulated data. The study findings indicate that some Economics teachers’ practices on instructional planning, selection of resources, feedback, and reflective practices promoted meaningful learning. The study concludes that although there are pockets of effective curriculum implementation practices by Economics teachers, there is a need to continue with in-service teacher training to enhance the teachers’ curriculum implementation practices. The study recommends that Economics teachers should form Professional Learning Communities where they learn and share good practices to provide teachers with continuous in-service training on how to plan lessons that cater for diverse learners’ needs. This study contributes to the scholarship by providing insights into how teachers’ curriculum practices can be enhanced both at pre-service and in-service levels to improve teacher effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, the study forms the basis on which further research on Economics teachers’ curriculum implementation practices on a more representative scale can be conducted. Keywords: Economics Education, Curriculum Implementation, Learner-centred Practices, Mediated Learning Experience

The Healing Heuristic of the Medicine Buddha in Bhutan

This paper examines the role of the Medicine Buddha in the healthcare system in Bhutan, a bipartite system where allopathic and Bhutanese Traditional Medicine co-exist. Discussion is informed by a wider study that explored the use of mindfulness practices by nurses across both sectors. An emergent theme from this narrative inquiry is that health practitioners across the sectors spoke of the importance of the Medicine Buddha in their professional practice. To better understand this centrality, we provide a historical overview of the long-standing presence of the Medicine Buddha in Bhutanese society and the materiality and spirituality of Medicine Buddha practice, and review how this healing aspect of Awakened Mind (Buddha) is integrated into nurse training. We then explore how this unique holistic education is integrated into the lives and practices of nurses and their workplaces. While recognizing that empirical proofs remain elusive, this paper is also informed by our own reflective practice and individual experience with the Medicine Buddha in affirming a healing heuristic in our own lived experiences. To wit, we can see value in the pivotal role of Medicine Buddha in the Bhutanese health system, and, more broadly, the health of Bhutanese society.

Maintaining Students' Performance through Exhibition: Reporting Project of English Instructional Technologies course

Pre-service teachers are expected to master content knowledge, pedagogical factor, communication skills, classroom management, critical thinking and problem-solving, collaboration and teamwork, reflective practice and technology integration. To achieve that target, teaching and learning process should be organized to facilitate activities that can improve their learning experiences. Exhibition can be implemented to provide valuable feedback and insights that can be used to improve future exhibitions or make informed decisions regarding the current one. Besides, this chance can also maximize to maintain students' performance in creative and engaging approach. This study aims to expose how the researcher manage an exhibition from students’ project to enhance their performance in English Instructional Technology course. The results demonstrate that pre-service teachers had a moderately satisfactory amount of mentorship experience, with modeling and pedagogical knowledge receiving among the lowest mean scores.

Reflective Thinking and Growth Through Parent Education: Experiences of Korean Mothers with Young Children

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Korean mothers in relation to parent education. Parent education was broadly defined in this study to encompass the various educational experiences that parents “try” and “undergo” both before and after becoming parents. Rather than being confined to a single program, we aimed to understand parent education as a cumulative process, comprising diverse experiences that shape parents’ lives and roles. We conducted in-depth interviews with seven mothers of infants and toddlers, followed by a reflexive thematic analysis of the data. Four major themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme, “confusion about becoming a parent,” describes the initial challenges of adjusting to the loss of freedom and the adaptation to new responsibilities. The second theme, “parent education through observation and experience,” highlights how parents learned by observing and engaging with real-life situations before and after the birth of their children. The third theme, “active participation in purposeful parent education,” focuses on structured educational programs in shaping parental roles. The final theme, “reflective thinking and personal growth through parent education,” illustrates how reflective practices as a mother contributed to the parental development. This study underscores the importance of adopting a long-term perspective on parent education, recognizing the interconnected nature of parental and child development and appreciating the experiences of mothers who grow through reflective thinking.

An Athlete-Centered Career Assistance Intervention Program for the Chinese Sport System: Reflections Into Polyphonics

The aim through this manuscript is to share our career intervention situated in individual, group, and meta-reflective practice, to help elite athletes manage changes in their careers and support their autonomy and development within the Chinese Whole Nation System (CWNS). Translating findings from a science to practice project, we provide an athlete-centered reflective intervention integrating the perspectives of sport psychology practitioners (SPPs), coaches, athletes, and parents from a Chinese collective vantage. First, we introduce how athlete career transition scholarship and theoretical frameworks guided this intervention. Second, we explain how different levels of reflective practice can be used as a part of a career intervention. Third, we provide a brief summary of recent research project from which the intervention was derived, and fourth, we describe a six-step intervention to inform future implementations.

Innovation in Biology Education: Classroom Action Research as a Catalyst for the Renewal of Teaching Methods in Indonesia

Abstract. This study emphasizes the critical importance of enhancing Classroom Action Research (CAR) as a catalyst for more sustainable Biology education. The primary factors identified include a lack of comprehensive information regarding the implementation of CAR across various regions in Indonesia and the current weaknesses inherent in CAR. The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of CAR in improving the understanding of biological concepts and to propose a model for sustainable CAR. A systematic review method following the PRISMA approach was employed to analyze relevant studies. The findings reveal that CAR is effective across almost all Biology teaching methods, enhancing quality through student participation, creativity, and learning outcomes. However, the principal challenge lies in the unsustainable nature of CAR, which hampers long-term improvement efforts. This study develops a sustainable CAR design, referred to as Sustainable Action Research (SAR), which encompasses comprehensive planning, monitored implementation, evaluation of outcomes and processes, and reflective practices to develop new strategies. SAR acts as a catalyst for the renewal of Biology teaching methods, enabling educators to adapt to evolving educational challenges. Recommendations for future research include focusing on the implementation of SAR and evaluating its effectiveness. Active teacher involvement in every stage of SAR is essential to ensure that innovations are aligned with on-the-ground needs. Collaboration between academics and teachers is also crucial to improving the quality of education in Indonesia, particularly in the field of Biology education Keywords: classroom action research, sustainable action research, biology education, sustainable education

The digital Balint: using AI in reflective practice

ABSTRACT Reflective practice is fundamental to postgraduate general practitioner (GP) training and ongoing professional development. However, real-world challenges like time constraints and professional isolation often limit meaningful engagement with this critical skill. This article proposes that large language models (LLMs), sophisticated artificial intelligence systems, may have potential for enhancing reflective practice. We present three case studies, in which we explore the ability of LLMs to generate thought-provoking questions, which could prompt GPs to consider new angles, address underlying factors, and bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our findings suggest that LLMs could help reframe experiences and foster deeper self reflection, particularly for isolated practitioners. While ethical concerns regarding privacy, over reliance, and potential biases exist, we consider the possibility of responsibly integrating LLMs into reflective practice. For trainees, AI-generated questions might complement personal reflection under guidance. For GPs working in isolation, LLMs present an opportunity to enhance reflective practice, challenging us to consider a place for this technological innovation without diminishing the human aspects essential to medical practice.

The Effectiveness of English as a Science Medium Instruction in Higher Education

This research presents a comprehensive analysis of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in higher education, drawing insights from seven studies involving 150 students. The investigation delves into various factors such as academic proficiency, TOEFL scores, and gender distribution. Findings reveal a clustering of TOEFL scores around the midpoint of the range, suggesting a normal distribution. However, gender distribution exhibits significant deviations from normalcy. Despite these variations, detailed statistical analyses offer valuable insights into student performance within EMI programs. Moving beyond data analysis, a systematic review explores the impact and effective practices of EMI in higher education. It acknowledges the ongoing debate regarding EMI's influence on language proficiency and academic achievement. While some studies suggest positive outcomes, others highlight challenges and discrepancies, emphasizing the complexity of evaluating EMI's success. The review underscores the importance of examining diverse linguistic and non-linguistic factors and calls for further research to inform instructional strategies. Furthermore, the study identifies effective practices in EMI implementation, emphasizing instructional techniques, curriculum design, language support services, assessment procedures, faculty development, and reflective practice. These approaches aim to create inclusive learning environments conducive to language acquisition, subject matter learning, and student success. Additionally, the review proposes solutions to address challenges and promote inclusivity in EMI contexts, including cultural orientation programs, academic assistance, institutional regulations, social justice initiatives, intercultural competencies, and student-centered teaching approaches. This holistic approach seeks to enhance the long-term success and well-being of students within the EMI framework in higher education.

Toward Culturally Responsive Instructional Leadership from Structured Critical Self-Reflection (CRILS)

ABSTRACT This study analyzes a principal preparation course structured by Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) and critical educational leadership research. Introducing CRILS (Culturally Responsive Instructional Leadership Structured by critical self-reflection), the methodology aims to humanize school experiences for Black and racially minoritized students. Through qualitative inquiry, including interviews and analysis of racial autobiographies, the study found that critical self-reflection helped participants recognize biases and confront negative emotional responses. CRILS extends CRSL by incorporating lessons from pre-Brown practices and emphasizes reflective practices among all school-affiliated adults to foster student learning and guidance opportunities.

Examination of Reflective Practice Levels in Tailored Structured Observation Journals

Reflective practice (RP) is crucial in the professional development of teachers. This process enables them to critically analyse their teaching practices leading to informed decisions that help them progress as practitioners. However, the level of reflection may vary from one teacher to another. The analysis of documents such as classroom observation grids and reflective journals can reveal the different levels of reflection. Both tools are essential to trigger reflection in student teachers and stimulate them to seek ways to improve their teaching practice during and after the training phase. Following a qualitative research design that employed document analysis as a research instrument, this study examined the different levels of RP in tailored structured observation journals. The participants of the study were seventeen fourth- and fifth-year English as Foreign Language (EFL) preservice teachers at École Normale Supérieure de Constantine (ENSC), Algeria who filled in structured observation journals during the observation phase of the practical training. Following the framework of Larrivee (2008) where three levels of reflection were identified: surface, pedagogical, and critical, the structured observation journals were analysed. The results of the study showed that surface reflection was the most documented level with 183 instances (n=183) related to the different teaching methods and strategies followed by pedagogical reflection (n=99) and critical reflection (n=11). The study revealed that the structured observation journals assisted preservice teachers in being more reflective while observing lessons. However, they still needed to enhance their critical reflection skills to improve their reflective practice.

Job Satisfaction and Teaching Effectiveness in Emergency Remote Teaching among Higher Education Faculty

In the rapidly evolving landscape of 21st century education, teacher preparation programs play a significant role in shaping the educators of tomorrow. This qualitative study aims to reveal both the opportunities and limitations of incorporating action research into experiential learning courses within teacher education programs. The researcher conducted a comprehensive thematic analysis to examine and categorize the participants' responses. Through in-depth interviews with 30 senior education students at Batangas State University, The National Engineering University, JPLPC Malvar, Batangas, Philippines, during the academic year 2021-2022, it was revealed that the opportunities arising from action research include enhanced teaching skills and pedagogy, problem-solving and reflective practice, collaborative learning and peer interaction, as well as professional growth and ethical awareness. Moreover, participants also encounter limitations, such as time constraints, resource accessibility, and ethical dilemmas. To address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, the study recommends strategies for improved time management, equitable resource access, and ethical training and support within teacher education programs. The study also suggests future research avenues, including longitudinal studies and comparative analyses, to further enhance action research's role in shaping the educators of the future.

Video-based Reflective Practice on Online Teaching: Korean EFL Pre-service Teachers

Video-based Reflective Practice on Online Teaching: Korean EFL Pre-service Teachers

Collaborating for co-researching: A multi-stakeholder case narrative of student nurses co-researching technology-supported care

AimEvaluate the impact of LS@H project participation on stakeholders. BackgroundAs populations age and workforces decline, care technology in nursing is becoming increasingly commonplace. Collaboration between nurse academia, education and practice can result in practice-based research and meaningful learning for nursing students and staff. However, little is known about the factors influencing effective collaboration. Based on the knowledge that narratives can be an effective vehicle for healthcare practice change, a Dutch school of nursing and its practice partners collaborated on the Living Longer and Safe at Home! (LS@H) project. This project aimed to explore a more person-centred approach to the use of technology in nursing care. Having gathered data from multiple sources to construct case narratives on the use of technology in older persons care, students nurses were able to contribute to practice development as their narratives were fed back to local and regional teams. DesignTo evaluate the impact of the LS@H project, we employed the same methodology used in the project: mixed data gathering methods to construct a case narrative. LS@H project students, supervisors, mentors and higher management shared their experiences and the research team constructed the case narrative. MethodsQualitative data were gathered via individual, duo and group interviews and supplemented with a survey among students. Transcription and thematic analysis followed, with multiple rounds of critical peer review before the thematic framework was agreed, survey results integrated and the case narrative constructed. ResultsAccording to stakeholder participants, the LS@H project led to an unfreezing of the status quo in both education and practice. The approach was new and guidelines with community support was needed to allay fears. The project design enabled a sense of shared ownership, across individuals and organisations for improving practice. Perspectives on the use of technology and older persons nursing were transformed. Critically dialoguing case narratives encouraged purposeful action to improve practice and fostered reflective practice among students and teams. ConclusionsCollaborative practice-based research can be a valuable learning experience for student nurses, positively influencing their view of nursing practice as well as enabling them to actively contribute to practice development. Adequate preparation, supervision and practice mentorship is vital, alongside practice (leader) commitment to ensure continued student assignments with subsequent critical dialogue of the multi-stakeholder case narratives produced. Registration numberAt point of submission put this on title page

Exploring Nurses' Emotional Resilience and Coping Strategies in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Settings in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study.

Nurses working in palliative and end-of-life care settings face significant emotional challenges due to the demanding nature of their profession. This study aimed to explore the emotional resilience of these nurses, understanding the factors that contribute to their resilience, the impact on their professional well-being and performance, and strategies to enhance resilience. A qualitative study was conducted involving 15 registered nurses from various healthcare facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observational data. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring themes. The study identified three key themes: Emotional Challenges and Resilience-Building, Support Systems and Resources for Resilience, and Professional Growth and Fulfillment as Resilience Factors. The findings revealed the emotional toll of patient suffering, highlighting resilience-building strategies, such as peer support, mindfulness, and reflective practices. Support systems, including workplace support, organizational resources, and mentorship, were identified as crucial for fostering resilience. Professional growth, a sense of purpose, and recognition emerged as factors contributing to resilience. This study underscores the importance of emotional resilience for nurses in palliative and end-of-life care settings. Healthcare organizations can enhance resilience by implementing resilience training, providing counseling services, fostering a supportive culture, and offering professional development opportunities. Addressing the emotional needs of nurses is vital for their well-being and the delivery of compassionate care.

STEM Cooperating Teachers’ Professional Growth: The Positive Impacts of a Year-Long Clinical Residency Collaboration

Teacher residency programs integrate coursework with clinical practice in a year-long residency in which pre-service teachers work under the guidance of a cooperating teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring. The purpose of this study was to examine the reasons for serving as a cooperating teacher and investigate how clinical residency pre-service teachers promote growth in the professional practice of cooperating teachers as teachers and teacher leaders. In this longitudinal qualitative study, we gathered data through semi-structured interviews and responses to survey questions over a five-year period. Ten STEM cooperating teachers (six female and four male) with 7 to 18 years of full-time teaching experience in biology, chemistry, or mathematics participated. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts and survey responses. The primary motivation for serving as a cooperating teacher was the desire to share experiences and support new teachers. Cooperating teachers described the following benefits: increased self-reflection and continuing reflective practice; meaningful collaboration with pre-service teachers; learned new teaching strategies to enrich their own teaching practice; improved communication skills; and the impetus to become teacher leaders. These findings support that clinical residency teaching programs are beneficial for STEM cooperating teachers and promote their professional growth.

Doctors' understanding of their learning and learning needs in Kwazulu-Natal district hospitals.

Medicine is a self-regulating profession. Doctors must learn how to self-regulate to keep up-to-date with evolving health care needs. This is challenging for those working at District Hospitals (DHs) in rural settings, where limited resources and understaffing may compound a poor approach and understanding of how to become a self-directed learner. To explore perspectives of doctors working in rural DHs, regarding their understanding of learning and learning needs. This study was conducted in Bethesda and Mseleni DHs, in rural KwaZulu-Natal. This was a qualitative study. Data was collected through 16 semi-structured interviews and non-participatory observations. Four major themes emerged: "Why I learn," "What I need to learn," "How I learn," and our learning environment." This paper focussed on the first three themes. Doctors' learning is influenced by various factors, including their engagement with clinical practice, personal motivation, and their learning process. Deliberate practice and engagement in reflective practice as key principles for workplace learning became evident. In rural DHs, doctors need to take a proactive self-regulated approach to their learning due to difficulties they encounter. They must build competence, autonomy, a sense of connection in their learning process, thus recognizing the need for continuous learning, motivating themselves, and understanding where they lack knowledge, all essential for achieving success.Contribution:This article contributes towards strengthening medical education in African rural context, by empowering medical educators and facility managers to meet the learning needs of doctors, thus contributing to the provision of quality health care.

Empowering Teachers through Reflective Practice: A Pathway to Inclusive Classrooms in Pakistan

Empowering Teachers through Reflective Practice: A Pathway to Inclusive Classrooms in Pakistan