Reflection during portfolio-based conversations

• Published in: International journal of educational research 2010, Vol.49 (4), p.151-160
• Main Authors: Oosterbaan, Anne E., van der Schaaf, Marieke F., Baartman, Liesbeth K.J., Stokking, Karel M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Correlation; Critical Thinking; Evaluation Methods; Portfolios (Background Materials); Reflection; Speech Communication; Student portfolio; Thinking activities; Thinking Skills
• ISSN: 0883-0355; 1873-538X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2011.02.001

► We explore student reflection during portfolio-based conversations. ► We explore an analytical approach, focussing on thinking activities. ► Reflection took place in 20% of the segments of conversation-transcripts. ► Comparing, analysing, concluding and judging negatively occurred more during reflection. ► Certain thinking activities indicate the presence of students’ reflection. This study aims to explore the relationship between the occurrence of reflection (and non-reflection) and thinking activities (e.g., orientating, selecting, analysing) during portfolio-based conversations. Analysis of 21 transcripts of portfolio-based conversations revealed that 20% of the segments were made up of reflection (content reflection (6%), process reflection (10%), and premise reflection (4%)). The thinking activities comparing, analysing and concluding occurred significantly more often during reflection than during non-reflection. Orientating on the task, selecting and describing, occurred significantly less often during reflection. The outcomes show that the occurrence of certain thinking activities can be an indication of reflection.