ERIC Number: EJ1407499
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1933-4850
EISSN: EISSN-1933-4869
Available Date: N/A
Exploring the Transformative Impact of Language Teachers' Autoethnographies in a Teacher Education Course
Ekaterina Arshavskaya; Nefi Reyes de la Paz
InSight: A Journal of Scholarly Teaching, v18 p26-40 2023
Benefits of teachers' autoethnographies are well-documented in current research. This study adds to the research literature by directly analyzing how the insights gained through writing autoethnographic essays may impact second language (L2) teachers' classrooms. To collect the data, the study incorporated autoethnographic essays into a graduate course for language teachers and asked the participating teachers to design lessons that reflected the insights they gained about themselves through this project. Adopting the transformative learning theory (Mezirow, 1978, 1997) that scaffolds teachers' self-reflection, this paper explores the transformative potential of teachers' autoethnographies through tracking qualitative changes in the teachers' narratives and practice across one academic semester. The results show that as a learning tool, autoethnographies can facilitate teachers' developing more empowering teaching identities and have a potential for enhancing their teaching practices. The paper adds empirical evidence and a new perspective in the investigation of teacher learning. It concludes with pedagogical and research implications for L2 teacher education.
Descriptors: Language Teachers, Masters Programs, Teaching Methods, Ethnography, Reflection, Preservice Teachers, Essays, Transformative Learning, Autobiographies
Park University, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. 8700 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152. Tel: 816-584-6770; Fax: 308-224-3493; e-mail: cetl@park.edu; Web site: https://insightjournal.net/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A