Using Pedagogical Reflective Strategies to Enhance Reflection among Preservice Physical Education Teachers

Abstract

The ability to think about why and what one does is vital to intelligent practice, practice that is reflective rather than routine (Dewey, 1904/1965; Richert,1991; Zeichner, 1987). This study describes how specific reflective pedagogical strategies influence preservice teachers to reflect on practice. Six junior physical education major were assigned to one of two groups: the Level 1 reflective group (LI-RG) or the Level 2 reflective group (LII-RG). Participants in the LI-RG completed new reflective assignments while the participants in the LII-RG completed the course’s regular reflective assignments. Data were collected through interviews, logs, and video commentaries and were analyzed using inductive analysis techniques. The reflective framework for teaching in physical education (RFTPE) was developed to describe the focus and levels of reflection by physical education teachers. The findings supported the positive influence of new pedagogical reflective strategies in promoting the reflective abilities of preservice teachers.