Blogs are among the most widely used Web 2.0 tools and have become a popular means of teacher development. This study, drawn from an activity theory approach, investigates how blogs serve as reflective and social tools mediating the development of two English teachers. Data are collected from the two teachers’ blogs, periodical online observation of the two teachers’ blogging, and interviews with the two teachers. The findings show that blogs are helpful in monitoring and reflecting the teachers’ instructional processes. Moreover, blogs enable teachers to communicate with others in the online community and find encouragement. The results of the study suggest that teacher training programs and school administrators should encourage both preservice and in-service teachers to establish their own blogs in order to function as a reflective tool and to expand their social network for professional development.
목차
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Activity Theory As the Theoretical Framework Teacher Development and Related Studies Blogs for Teacher Development The Current Study METHODS Participants The Teachers’ Blogs Data Collection Procedure Data Analysis RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Research Question 1: How do English teachers’ blogs mediate their learning practice? The Roles of Blogs in The Professional Development of The Two Teachers Research Question 2: What factors influence the mediating function of blogs in the teachers’ development? Research Question 3: How do the English teachers perceive the role blogging plays in their professional development? CONCLUSION THE AUTHORS REFERENCES APPENDIX
The goals of Asia TEFL are to promote scholarship, disseminate information, and facilitate cross-cultural understanding among persons concerned with the teaching and learning of English in Asia. In order to accomplish this, Asia TEFL will pursue the following goals:
1. To link ELT professionals in joint research on issues and concerns regarding English teaching and learning in the Asian context.
2. To publish an academic journal, The Asia TEFL Journal, as an internationally recognized journal in the field of English language teaching.
3. To host conferences and seminars addressing important issues concerning ELT in Asia.
4. To develop proficiency guidelines and assessment methods designed for the needs of the Asian context.
5. To develop programs for Asian learners and teachers of English to build their English language proficiency and cultural understanding and provide them with the skills required to be efficient English teaching professionals.