Case studies of teachers' reflective practice within the developmental research project PING

The PING Project is a pilot project of the German Federal and the State Commission for Educational Planning which supports teacher, in-service trainer, and researcher co-operation to establish a practice of integrated science education. Together the members of PING are developing a conceptual framework, teaching material for integrated science education, and a structure of co-operation. To ensure a reflexive development PING uses research that informs its members about the effects and conditions of development. Within this process, reflective practice is an essential structural element. Using findings from a questionnaire and related in-depth interviews with five teachers this study asks: How can this reflective practice be structured? What types of instruments are useful for inducing reflection? and How reflection affects the understanding and application of PING?