The Challenge of Developing a ‘Reflective Practicum’

Abstract

This paper reports on a study in which I have been involved for the last 4 years, investigating the learning of final‐year primary student teachers and their school‐based teacher educators during the practicum. It highlights specifically the findings associated with the process of reflection in which the student teachers were engaged. Three particular findings are presented and discussed in relation to: the impact of reflection on student teachers’ learning; the quality of reflection in which they engaged; and specific strategies designed to facilitate reflection. It is argued that developing a ‘reflective practicum’ presents many challenges for teacher educators, including changing how the practicum is conceptualised and structured. A further challenge arises as a result of the inevitable shift in power and control which will occur if the changes are embraced. Teacher educators will be faced with some new questions regarding the ways they work in the practicum, if developing a reflective practicum is a priority.