We present a micro-analysis of post observation conversations between classroom teachers and mentors. Using the approach of conversation analysis, we show how the sequential organization of an episode (i.e., who initiates the interaction, question format used by mentors) could potentially serve to provoke or hinder teacher reflection. Our analysis reveals the different stances adopted by mentor and teacher during potentially discomfiting episodes, the relationship between the structure of initial questions, and the impact of question types on elicited teacher responses/reflections. Implications for handling this type of interaction for more effective professional development collaborations are discussed.

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This paper considers the problematic enactment of instructional innovations. We examine how different interpretations of ''success'' might be explained within a frame of reference that confronts the complexities of and uncovers the contingencies relating to educational policy implementation in schools. Based on the detailed description and comparison of three different educational innovations developed and implemented in the same educational context-Singapore-we show how the intricate and delicate interrelationships that exist within and across adopters, innovators and environments (Cohen and Ball 2007) influence what might be reasonably expected and achieved from specific innovation initiatives. By doing so, we hope not only to test Cohen and Ball's framework and conjectures but also lay the groundwork for future comparative work on innovation design and evaluation, moving the research agenda forward by critically examining reasonable expectations for educational innovation.