The Influence of Multilingualism and Professional Development Activities on Teacher Reflection Levels

Abstract

Reflection occurs as a learning process in which thoughts are consequential and continuously improved upon. The current research examined teacher reflection by examining the influence of multilingualism and professional development activities on teacher reflection levels. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS employing 226 male and 207 female EFL instructors teaching in Saudi Arabia. Variables were grouped into languages spoken and professional development activities. Inferential statistics (i.e., descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA) were utilized. The findings revealed that reflective practices varied significantly due to the languages spoken. The mean of the total English Language Teaching Reflection Inventory (ELTRI) for participants who performed the professional development activity is higher than for those who did not. Further, participants who collaborated with colleagues were mentored, self-studied, and took courses illustrated a significantly higher total score on the ELTRI. When designing professional development curricula, a greater focus on particular reflection training should be more appropriate depending on completed professional benchmarks. These implications and the future direction of this study highlight the dynamic influence of multilingualism in reflective practices. Henceforward, the study suggests the imperative need to provide teachers with professional development programs for training them and elevate their awareness of the effectiveness of reflective teaching practices.