The Role of Reflective Teaching for Continuing Professional Development of English Teachers

Abstract

Reflective teaching is a relatively important issue in the field of teachers’ continue professional development. In this study, the author reviewed previous studies that investigated reflective teaching had positive influence for teachers’ progress in the long run. There were 13 different experiments analyzed in this article. Through a series analysis, five positive impact factors of reflective teaching were extracted: (a) Reflective teaching is correlated with the coefficient of the teacher’s CPD, (b) Teachers using reflective teaching will enhance teaching energy and confidence, (c) Teaching journal writing causes positive effects on the promotion of teaching quality, responsibility and consciousness, (d) Positive reflection attitude, academic qualifications and the overseas study experience promote the efficiency of teacher’s CPD, and (e) Based on group reflective discussions, teachers have more enthusiasm to share their thinking and get some new and creative teaching methods. Whereas, this study also showed that lack of theoretical knowledge restricts the teacher’s autonomous reflection ability. In addition, the researcher pointed three implications are used for teaching in class. Firstly, the reflective consciousness should be cultivated. Secondly, teachers need to focus on the combination of reflection theory and teaching practice. Thirdly, school and society should supply training activities and relax the environment for English teachers to enhance the quality of their reflection.