Design and implementation considerations in on-line reflective environments

Abstract

A pivotal concern in professional development for educators is the internalization of reflective practice for achieving teaching excellence. In this inquiry, e-mail and Internet Relay Chat have been used to design an authentic nurturing environment for reflection on classroom practices among pre-service secondary teachers. This paper presents relevant data from a current doctoral inquiry which explores the dynamic of on-line teacher reflection as revealed through a series of structured dialogues between a mentor and a volunteer group of eight Singapore secondary pre-service teachers. It offers insights gained in designing and implementing an on-line learning environment with the goal of nurturing thoughtful and reflective practice among participating teachers. Specifically, a summary analysis of the reflective on-line interviews will demonstrate "patterns of communication" which are believed to have direct bearing on the design of this type of on-line learning environment. Within the context of a synchronous on-line reflective setting, some recommendations are identified.