Facilitating Pre-Service Elementary Teachers' Productive Reflection on Their Science Teaching through Meta-Analysis of Their Reflective Journals

Abstract

In this study, the researcher aimed to increase productive reflection of pre-service elementary teachers through meta-analysis of their own reflective journals. The meta-analysis activities are expected to enhance their learning effectively as a kind of self-assesment. During 8 week simulation teaching, 26 pre-service teachers kept individual journal writing and the meta-analysis activities were implemented twice (after the 3rd and 8th week). Right after the first meta-analysis, the pre-service teachers' productive reflection increased clearly. However this would not guarantee the effect would last long time period. By analyzing 8 week reflective journals, reports on meta-analysis activities and small group interview, this study shed light on practical ways of enhancing reflective teacher education.