Reflective practice in initial teacher training: critiques and perspectives

Abstract

Although reflective practice is now a key competency in many teacher training programs, the theoretical grounding remains problematic and the empirical approaches diverse. With the aim of advancing our understanding of the limitations of reflective practice in initial teacher training, this article draws a critical portrait of reflective practice in terms of theory, practice and methodology based on a review of the literature. We conclude by underscoring the need for a shared terminology and definition for reflective practice in initial training programs; currently, the lack of a clear concept hinders its operationalization in teacher training and its development in empirical research.

Keywords:

• reflective practice
• initial teacher training programs
• critiques

Notes

1. We refer to the paper by Tardif (2010), which presents some current research trends concerning reflection and action.