Reflective Practice in Teacher Education: Issues, Challenges, and Considerations

Reflective practice has become a buzzword in teacher education as a mark of professional competence. Although the significance of reflective practice has long been acknowledged, a mutual agreement has still not been reached on how it should be defined or what processes should be initiated in teacher education programs. This article explores how the paradigm and process of reflective practice change over time, along with a review of how reflective practice is employed in teacher education. Furthermore, the challenges stemming from the literature review and recommendations on how to resolve them are explored. Considerations of how technology can enhance teachers’ reflective practice are also examined. Finally, the impact of reflective practice on pre-service teachers’ professional life is highlighted.