Peer Observation and Reflection in the ELT Practicum

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if peer observation (PO) in an ELT practicum for graduate students led to reflective teaching. The 15 students in the practicum taught EFL at two universities in rural Thailand in eight-week intensive courses. Five questions were investigated: (1) Did PO help the students engage in reflective teaching? (2) What were the students’ reactions to PO? (3) Did the students modify their teaching behaviors or practices because of PO? (4) Did the students change any of their teaching beliefs because of PO?