Karrie A. Jones

Teaching Reflective Practice: Implementation in the Teacher-Education Setting

Over the past several decades a growing amount of research has considered the role, challenges, and complexities of teaching reflective inquiry to preservice teachers. Generally accepted as a valuable component of a teacher education program, there are persistent levels of ambiguity regarding how reflective inquiry can be intentionally fostered during initial stages of teacher preparation. This qualitative research study seeks to provide one exemplar of this promising practice by exploring the instructional approaches used to promote reflective inquiry in preservice teachers by a veteran teacher educator from Niagara University, NY. Using participant observer research protocols, data were collected and analyzed according to qualitative research methodologies (Spradley, 1980). Grounded in the theories of Dewey (1935) and Schön (1983), this study examines how the teacher educator studied created opportunities for preservice teachers to develop their reflective inquiry skills in a Methods of Secondary Education course. Advice for other teacher educators and implications for the greater teacher education community will be discussed.

Why Don't Students Like School? Willingham, Perkins, and a Comprehensive Model of School Reform

Abstract As teachers attempt to sustain meaningful school change, the need for visionary yet feasible reform becomes profound. To help reach this end, this article examines the ideas of Willingham and Perkins for principles of effective teaching and learning. While seemingly divergent in their approaches for reform, examination of their collective ideas in light of current educational research provides applicable classroom strategies for teachers of all levels.