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Exploring Contradictions in an EFL Teacher Professional Learning Community
- Source :
- Journal of Teacher Education. Nov-Dec, 2019, Vol. 70 Issue 5, p498, 14 p.
- Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Guided by activity theory, this study examines the major contradictions in an English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher professional learning community (PLC) established in China through a university-district-school partnership. Multiple sources of data were collected, including interviews, observations, and documents. Data analyses revealed four levels of contradictions: the primary contradiction between the university researcher and school teachers, the secondary contradiction between imparting theory and teacher learning, the tertiary contradiction between existing practice and new design, and the quaternary contradiction between practical engagement and academic research. The community members took a series of strategic actions, including questioning and observation, analysis and proposal, examination and implementation, and reflection and resolution. The study may offer insights about nurturing language teacher PLCs and overcoming contradictions in similar joint activities. Keywords contradictions, professional development, English teacher education, professional learning communities, activity theory<br />Introduction Over the past three decades, the conceptualizations of teacher education have shifted from a positivistic paradigm to an interpretive and situated paradigm, in line with the epistemological changes in [...]
- Subjects :
- China. Ministry of Education -- Officials and employees -- Analysis
Mediation -- Analysis
Teaching methods -- Analysis
Teachers -- Analysis
Professional development -- Analysis
English (Second language) -- Analysis
Information management -- Analysis
Education
University research
Teaching
Information accessibility
Education
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00224871
- Volume :
- 70
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Gale General OneFile
- Journal :
- Journal of Teacher Education
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsgcl.605414524
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487118801343