The purpose of this study was to analyze recent research into using reflective thinking as an effective means of improving teaching.
The specific research topics of this study were:
1) to define the concept of reflective thinking;
2) to analyze recent research on reflective teaching models and methods;
3) to analyze recent research on the levels of reflective thinking.
For this study, a literature review methodology was used.
The results of this study are as follows:
1) The concept of reflective thinking can be defined as thinking carefully and deeply about a teacher's own teaching methods and practical circumstances.
2) Possible reflective teaching models include videotaping a teacher's techniques, review/observation of videotape, in-depth interviewing, journal writing, etc.
3) Reflective thinking can be classified into three levels - technical, practical behavior, and critical reflection.
On the basis of these findings, it can be concluded that reflective thinking is an effective means of improving teaching.
This study suggests that various methods of reflective teaching should be developed by teacher educators and that further studies on factors influencing teachers' reflective thinking and teaching methods should be conducted continuously.