According to Teachers, Teaching Is . . .

• In Event: Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding Teaching Through Teachers’ Reflection on Practice

Abstract

Abstract. This investigation applied a grounded theory perspective (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) to develop a system for organizing and understanding practicing teachers’ self-reported beliefs about the nature of teaching. Written responses to the question “What is teaching” from 88 practicing teachers were analyzed using the constant comparative method (e.g., Bogdan & Biklen, 1998). Four themes emerged to characterize teaching: the focus, the aims, what is taught, and roles and metaphors for teachers. Within these themes teachers reported varied and complex perspectives on what it is that they do. Understanding these perspectives may provide teacher educators, school administrators, and researchers with frames and language to better meet the needs of teachers and facilitate their learning and practice.

Authors

• Helenrose Fives, Montclair State University

• Michelle M. Buehl, George Mason University

• Ana M. Taboada, George Mason University