Teacher development: a patchwork-text approach to enhancing critical reflection in veterinary and para-veterinary...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary and Animal Science Education
• Higher Education Pedagogy

Background:

• Reflection is crucial for teacher development, requiring validated assessment methods.
• Disciplinary background significantly influences the development of critical reflection.
• The patchwork-text approach, a narrative method, focuses on personal development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the patchwork-text approach for developing critical reflection in science teachers.
• To assess if iterative reflective writing with feedback enhances reflection quality and quantity.
• To determine the suitability of this method for those new to reflective practices.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 20 summative and 103 formative essays from 21 participants in a 1-year teacher-development program.
• Utilized a predefined rubric to identify reflective levels (1-4) and calculate reflective scores.
• Employed a regular, iterative process of reflective writing with feedback.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a clear improvement in higher-level critical thinking throughout the program.
• Higher reflection levels were more pronounced in familiar subject areas compared to less familiar ones.
• The patchwork-text approach showed effectiveness in enhancing reflective writing.

Conclusions:

• The patchwork-text approach is a valuable tool for developing and evaluating reflection in science teachers, particularly those with a veterinary/animal science background.
• Iterative feedback within the patchwork-text framework supports the progression of critical reflection.
• Learner's prior experience with subject matter impacts the depth of reflection achieved.