An Evaluation of School Experience Courses: The Development of Observation and Reflection Competences of Prospective Teachers

Developing observation and reflection competences within school experience process is crucial in order to gain teaching profession. In fact, in merging practical and theoretical knowledge through teaching practice requires in-depth observation and reflection competences. Teaching practicum and school experience courses have aims to develop field knowledge, plan and preparation, teaching methods and techniques, communication, classroom management, evaluation, professionalism by developing observation and reflection competences. Significantly, portfolio is a kind of progress tool to make prospective teachers to report on teaching practicum. In this respect, this study aims to evaluate the development of observation and reflection competences of prospective teachers on school experience courses. The qualitative research design was employed in this study that case study approach was implemented within an inductive process. Self-reports of 65 prospective teachers helped to gather qualitative data that were analyzed based on thematic analysis. This research process yielded how observation and reflection, self-determination competences are significant and are developed through teaching practicum.