Towards Transformative Reflective Practice in Teacher Education

• In Event: The Transformative Potential of Reflection in Teacher Education

Abstract

Reflective practice is essential for bridging the gap between theory and practice in teacher education and
for facilitating professional growth. Despite its recognized importance, reflective practice in teacher
education often remains routine or evaluative rather than critical and transformative. In this paper, I adopt
a holistic approach to review the affordances and constraints of reflective practice. Current literature
underscores the benefits of reflective practices for both pre-service and in-service teachers, yet also
highlights challenges such as ambiguous implementation, structural barriers and reductionist
epistemology. This paper advocates for a shift toward critical and transformative approaches to empower
both teachers and teacher educators to address the complexities, injustices and professional growth in
contemporary educational environments.

Author

• Mohammed Alzahrani, King Abdulaziz University