Virtual Focus Group Discussions: the new normal way to promote reflective practice

ABSTRACT

Academic institutions were not spared from the onslaught of the global pandemic as they were forced implement radical changes in academic policies. Adapting to the new normal way of learning, teacher education institutions should provide experiences and opportunities among student teachers (STs) to become reflective practitioners. Virtual Focus Group Discussions (VFGDs) offer a venue for STs to discuss their practicum experiences with their peers and teachers in the new normal set-up. This study aimed to find out how STs described their experiences in conducting VFGD for reflective practice; and to uncover their perceptions in the use of VFGD as a means to promote reflective practice and as part of teacher training. Qualitative action research design was utilized, following the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycle that will help teachers improve their practice. Graduating elementary educators were the participants. The findings discussed the reflective practice of the participants and the conduct of the intervention. This provides teacher educators and future researchers with a guide in conducting the same or similar experiences among STs undergoing their practicum.

KEYWORDS:

• Virtual focus group discussion
• reflective practice
• student-teaching
• qualitative action research
• Philippines

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Josephine Luz de Leon Pineda

Josephine Luz D. Pineda is an Associate Professor 2 at Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) in Bacolor, Pampanga, and the research coordinator for the College of Education. In 2019, she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education with a specialization in mathematics from De La Salle University. In 2010, she obtained her Master of Mathematics Education from the University of Santo Tomas, Cum Laude. Her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, major in mathematics, was acquired with distinction at DHVSU in 2007. She was awarded as DHVSU’s “Most Outstanding Researcher of the Year” in 2014 and a Finalist for “Outstanding Researcher of the Year” in 2019. She is an active associate member of the Philippine National Research Council.

Rose Lynn de Dios Villanueva

Rose Lynn D. Villanueva is an Assistant Professor IV at Don Honorio Ventura State University. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Family Life and Child Development in 2003, a Master of Education graduate with a major in Guidance and Counseling from Bulacan State University in 2013, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management. Being an active researcher, she is also one of the university’s research specialists.

Joyce Ann Macatuno Tolentino

Joyce Ann M. Tolentino graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from De La Salle University in Manila, where she is also a Doctor of Philosophy in Literature candidate. She is an instructor in the College of Education, where she teaches language, literature, and creative writing.