The Performance of Reflection: A Grounded Analysis of Prospective Teachers' ePortfolios.

Abstract

This paper reports on a grounded theory analysis of prospective teachers’ online reflections in an ePortfolio system as part of a university-based teacher preparation program requirement. results indicate that prospective teachers tend to showcase or “sunshine” their teaching and learning experiences rather than reflect on them analytically and critically. This “sunshining” is accomplished by carelessly using academic buzzwords, whitewashing negative experiences by using downtoners and blaming others for problems in their classrooms as expressed in their online reflections. The research also revealed some major reasons that contribute to why prospective teachers reflected in the way they did. This implies that authentic reflective processes must be better supported in online ePortfolio systems by teacher educators and ePortfolio designers.