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?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
- Exploratory study
- Qualitiative
Geographic Setting
- Southwestern United States
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
- Content area literacy course
- Secondary school
Preservice Participants
Preservice Sample Size
17
Duration of Data Collection
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