Exploring Secondary School Education Pre-service Teachers' Narratives on their Professional Identity and Growth through Reflective Teaching Practice at St. Paul’s University, Kenya.

Abstract

Teaching practice is a vital phase in the professional development of preservice teachers, helping them bridge the gap between theory and classroom application. However, many struggle with this connection due to the compartmentalized nature of teacher education and the absence of standardized frameworks. As a result, preservice teachers often graduate feeling underprepared, highlighting the need for improved teacher education models. Reflective practice has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing preservice teachers’ professional growth by deepening their understanding of teaching roles and improving the integration of theory and practice. This study examines the impact of structured reflective practice on preservice teachers’ professional identity and pedagogical competencies during teaching practice, employing a narrative inquiry approach. A qualitative case study design was used, involving all 396 preservice teachers from St. Paul’s University who participated in teaching practice in 2024. Data were collected through structured reflective diaries and analyzed thematically to identify patterns in their evolving professional identities and competencies. Findings revealed varied outcomes: while many narratives demonstrated growth and identity development, others reflected limited reflective skills and weak connections to the teaching profession early on. The reflections also highlighted gaps in teaching knowledge and skills, underscoring the critical role of reflective practice, mentorship, and a supportive school environment in professional development. The study recommends integrating structured reflection into teacher training, along with planned mentorship and quality feedback, to better link teacher education theory with real-world classroom practice. This calls for a review of current teaching practice models.