Title of article :
Using Symbolic Interactionism to Investigate Teachers’ Professional Identity
Author/Authors :
Sudtho, J School of Liberal Arts - King Monkut’s University of Technology Thonburi - 126 Pracha-Utit Rd - Bangmod - Thungkru - Bangkok 10140 Thailand , Singhasiri, W School of Liberal Arts - King Monkut’s University of Technology Thonburi - 126 Pracha-Utit Rd - Bangmod - Thungkru - Bangkok 10140 Thailand , Jimarkon, P School of Liberal Arts - King Monkut’s University of Technology Thonburi - 126 Pracha-Utit Rd - Bangmod - Thungkru - Bangkok 10140 Thailand
Abstract :
This investigation is a case study of a process of negotiation of professional identity of
a Thai pre-service teacher during her teaching practicum through the lens of Symbolic
Interactionist theory. It posits that interaction with different objects allows for complexity
of professional identity formation to emerge. The participant’s narratives in the form of
reflections over 15 weeks were collected and transcribed for analysis. Key phrases of the
participant’s role claims were investigated to identify themes vital to observe her self-image
as a teacher. Findings also revealed that the interaction with social objects i.e. her students
as human agency, was found to be most influential on her identity formation. This study
hopes to shed light on teacher training education on the importance of teacher identity,
which is central to beliefs, assumptions and values that guide a teacher’s practice in the
process of becoming one.
Keywords :
Pre-service teacher , professional identity , Symbolic Interactionism , narratives
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics
