Developing reflective practitioners through the use of blogs: a collaborative approach to learning communities
Alison Hramiak2, Helen Boulton1
1Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom, 2Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom
Developments in teacher training over the last decade have seen an increased focus on developing skills in becoming a reflective practitioner. As Web 2.0 technologies are emerging these are providing alternatives to reflective diaries which are proving to engage some students more than more traditional methods. At Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and Nottingham Trent University (NTU), UK, research has taken place over the last 2 years in the use of reflective diaries with teacher education students using a web log (blog). Phase 1 of this research focused on determining if blogs could provide a setting for reflective practice. Responses from trainee teachers from a variety of subject backgrounds across the 2 universities identified that the use of blogs did assist them with their own development as reflective practitioners. This research was presented at the ALT-C Conference, Sept 2008.Phase two of this research builds on Phase 1 findings and seeks to determine whether or not the successful 'bloggers' from the first phase of the research - now in their second year of teaching - have continued with this practice, examining what the inhibitors and enablers are to developing the use of blogs within their professional role. This paper focuses on the data from Phase 2 of the research. A comparative analysis was conducted using data from interviews and comparing the trainees from both HEIs. Reflective theory is used to help to understand the responses gained from the participants over the years in terms of the change in attitude to reflection between their training and actual teaching. This is also linked to theories of communities of practice (Wenger, 1998) and to socio constructivism (Vygotsky, 1978) in order to help to explain the drop in reflection seen when trainees become isolated as newly qualified teachers in schools. The researchers believe that this research has relevance to a diversity of subjects in Higher Education.Boulton, H., Hramiak, A., Irwin, B. 2008. The use of web logs to develop self-reflection . In: ALT-C Conference, Leeds, 8-12 September 2008Vygotsky, L. 1978. Mind in Society The Development of Higher Psychological Processes (1st ed.). London: Harvard University PressWenger, E. 1998. Communities of Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.