Two Dimensions of Reflection: A Heuristic for Describing and Interpreting Reflection in Teacher Education Programs

• In Event: Portfolio Reflection and Interpretation for Professional Development

Abstract

While the importance of the development of reflection by preservice teachers is widely acknowledged, articulations of the frameworks and strategies guiding that development are less clear. To facilitate understanding, I will discuss the development and usefulness of a heuristic to describe and interpret the construct in two dimensions: orientations to and components of reflection. The orientation dimension considers the increasing complexity of reflective thought, drawing from van Manen’s (1977) levels of reflection and Valli’s (1997) types of reflection in teacher education. The components dimension expands on Grimmett, Erickson, MacKinnon, & Riecken’s (1990) sources, modes, and purposes of reflection. These two dimensions are organized into a heuristic that contains descriptors for each combination of components and orientations.

Author

• Frederick Nelson, California State University - Fresno