TURKISH EFL STUDENT TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE ROLE OF ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIOS IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ABSTRACT
There has been vast evidence to support the potential of electronic portfolios (e-portfolio) as tools for enhancing reflective thinking and professional development of student teachers. However, no study has been carried out to specifically determine English as a Foreign Language (EFL) student teachers’ perceptions on the role of e-portfolios in their professional development. Therefore, this descriptive study investigated the perceptions of EFL student teachers on e-portfolios as a learning tool. Results of analysis of student teachers’ interviews identified several themes, indicating that e-portfolios helped student teachers keep current with innovations in the digital world; a fancy tool that serves them in the job search; and a collection of materials that showed their best work; an opportunity to work collaboratively which in turn support their ongoing professional development. However, the student teachers in this study did not believe that electronic portfolios can be an important tool to develop reflective thinking.