Learning to become a learning professional: Reflections on one year of teaching

Abstract

This research aims to study the ways in which a teacher learns through and about professional practice. Data presented here is drawn from one year of teaching and focuses on pedagogical practices, critical reflection upon those practices and the impact of the implementation of a new physical education syllabus in Maltese secondary schools. The study employs autoethnography to reveal thoughts, feelings and learning experienced by a new teacher implementing a new curriculum; in other words, I (Attard) am studying myself. I start with my personal life. I pay attention to my physical feelings, thought, and emotions. I use what I call systematic sociological introspection and emotional recall to try and understand an experience I've lived through. (Ellis & Bochner, 2000, p. 737) Data indicates ways in which structured, continuous and critical reflection upon teaching experiences can help to improve job satisfaction. Furthermore, the data illustrates vividly that collaborative reflection with colleagues is important both as a learning opportunity and as a support mechanism and that becoming a reflective practitioner is complex, challenging and hard work! The study will provide unique insight into ways in which a teacher learns and develops, both as a person and a professional. © 2005 Association for Teacher Education in Europe.