Reflection and agency: the experiences of English language teachers in Türkiye

Abstract

This study explores English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers' experiences of reflective practice in Türkiye. It looks at the role agency plays in reflection in relation to teacher growth. Thirteen ELT teachers were interviewed through narrative interviews and critical incidents. All teachers were engaged in reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action; however, they differed in the criticality of their reflection and what they reflected on. Their ability to engage in critical reflection, and therefore their growth, was shaped by their agency. Those with a future-oriented agency could focus on their aspirations, detach themselves from present constraints and engage in critical reflection. However, those with present-oriented agency tended to view external factors as disablers and struggled to reflect critically. As critical reflection can lead to teacher development, developing agency to support reflective opportunities throughout pre-service and in-service years seems essential.