USING A CRITICAL REFLECTION FRAMEWORK AND COLLABORATIVE INQUIRY TO IMPROVE TEACHING PRACTICE: AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT

Abstract

This action research reports on a three-year collaborative learning process among three teachers. We used current literature and a critical reflection framework to understand why our teaching approaches were not resulting in increased student learning. This allowed us to examine our previously unrecognized and uninterrupted—and often, problematic—beliefs and values. Our findings revealed key barriers related to unexamined judgments, beliefs, assumptions, and expectations that affected our ability to facilitate effective learning. This encouraged conceptual change and led to a transformation in our teaching practice: We became more socioculturally responsive teachers. Our findings led us to conclude that professional learning needs to move beyond the acquisition of skills and strategies, and include the critical reflection necessary to deconstruct problematic beliefs and thought-patterns that can impede student learning.