Examining teacher thinking through reflective journals: An educator's professional journey

In this study I examined my thinking and professional growth through the use of reflective journals. The study documents my understanding and use of reflective journals as a tool for learning and thinking over time. I examined my sixteen reflective journals in an effort to make sense out of what it means to be a teacher. In this study I was guided by the question: What are the ways in which I reflect and think about myself as a teacher and my teaching, as evidenced through my journals. Analysis focused in four areas. The first was on the content of the journals. This included my topics, issues, and questions which I wrote about. A second analysis examined how I used my journals to think and reflect. A third component explored how I reflected on my beliefs and practices. The fourth area identified what supported and interfered with my thinking and reflecting. Through this study I examined my learning process and the ways that I use journals to support my thinking and professional development. My findings inform other teachers to consider reflective practice and supports the use of narrative for research. This study provides implications for teacher educators and professional developers to consider participants' prior knowledge and current beliefs when implementing professional programs. Participants need to be recognized as part of the process when involved in professional development