Optimising personal and professional reflection in a unique environment: making sense of an overseas professional experience

Authors

Philip R. Fitzsimmons, University of WollongongFollow
Barbra McKenzie, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

33136

Publication Details

McKenzie, B. & Fitzsimmons, P. R. (2010). Optimising personal and professional reflection in a unique environment: making sense of an overseas professional experience. Reflective Practice, 11 (1), 45-56.

Abstract

This article details a project that sought to understand the benefits of Australian Pre-Service teachers undertaking an overseas teaching professional experience in Fiji. Using the language of the pre-service teachers who took part in this program led to the data set being re-viewed through the lens of `sensemaking theory¿ (Weick 1995, 2000). This reviewing and methodological sieving of the data through this theoretical portal revealed a set of principles that gave greater insight into how these forms of teaching experiences enhanced personal and professional reflection that is far different from the typical domestic teaching professional experiences routinely offered. It also revealed the nature and power of personal reflection when conjoined with social interaction.