Foreign language

Research Question

The present study addresses the following research question:

1. What types of reflection (reflection-in, on and for-action) do experienced English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers engage in during their reflective practice oriented online discussions?

Significance of the Study

While the importance of reflective practice has been documented through studies, more focus has been put on the use of traditional tools such as writing journals, diaries, and keeping portfolios. However, the use of online platforms such as blogs and discussions for reflection is a relatively new concept in the field of teacher education. The studies conducted to see their effective use in reflective

practices and to understand whether they contribute to reshaping teachers‟ instruction and learning have provided varying positive and negative results. This study, which evaluates the effective use of online reflective practices, may contribute to the

literature by providing further support for their application as part of face-to-face (FTF) and distance education courses.

In Turkey, reflective practices have been examined in several studies both at pre-service and in-service teacher education, and their contributions to the teacher education have been suggested. At the local level, the findings of the study may first offer implications for the use of reflective practices in online platforms, specifically via asynchronous discussions. The study may provide further suggestions to enhance the course, in which the participants engage during their Master‟s degree, and its content to facilitate the effective use of RP-oriented online discussions.

Conclusion

This chapter has presented a brief overview of the literature on reflective practice, tools of reflective practice and asynchronous discussion platforms utilized for teacher reflection. The statement of the problem, the significance of the study, and research questions has also been presented. In the second chapter, the relevant literature is reviewed in more detail. In the third chapter, the methodology of the study is described. In the fourth chapter, the results of the study are presented, and in the last chapter, conclusions are drawn from the data in the light of the literature.