Collaborative reflection and professional community building: An analysis of preservice teachers’ use of an electronic discussion board

Abstract

The use of technology in the educational setting can provide support for professional development early in a teacher's career. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to examine the use of an electronic discussion board in a field-based block of courses as a place where 17 preservice teachers could share experiences and ideas. The researchers examined the nature and development of the discussions over one semester. The study found three major benefits: (a) computer mediated communication extends discussions beyond the classroom; (b) the discussion board became a place for professional support and community; and (c) preservice teachers' reflective thinking developed over time as a result of the discussion board. The electronic discussion board appears to be a promising way to enhance and support existing structures for preservice and inservice teachers' professional growth. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.

Reference

Nicholson, S. A., & Bond, N. (2003). Collaborative reflection and professional community building: An analysis of preservice teachers' use of an electronic discussion board. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 11(2), 259-279.

Journal

Journal of Technology and Teacher Education

Analysis

Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?

Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?

Research Approach

Exploratory study
Qualitiative

Geographic Setting

Southwestern United States

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

Secondary

Programatic Focus

Secondary

Research Location Context

Content area literacy course
Secondary school

Preservice Participants

Not stated

Preservice Sample Size

Duration of Data Collection

3 semesters

Data Sources

Interviews
online discussions

Data Analysis Tools

coding (non-specific)
Content analysis

Researcher Positionality

inside (staying their own students)

Research Questions

In the context of online discussion related to a reading tutorial, "What was the nature of these preservice teachers' discussions and how did their discussions develop over time?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Combination