ASSESSING EFL TEACHERS` PERCEPTION, PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING REFLECTIVE TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF LOMA WOREDA

<strong>ABSTRACT: </strong>The purpose of this study was to assess EFL teachers`, perception, practice and challenges in implementing reflective teaching in secondary schools of Loma Woreda. This study employed a descriptive research design. Forty six (46) respondents (EFL teachers`) were selected by comprehensive sampling technique to participate in filling a questionnaire. Ten (10) respondents from them were selected by simple random sampling technique for classroom observation and interview to triangulate data. The relevant data to the study were collected through questionnaires, classroom observation and interviews. Mixed research methods including both quantitative and qualitative data analysis were used. The data collected from the questionnaire were checked for its completeness and summarized, coded, ordered, and encoded in computer then analyzed by SPSS20. The data were shown quantitatively in the form of a percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation whereas descriptive analysis was used for qualitative data. The finding of the data showed teachers’ perception of reflective teaching averagely inclined in moderate that they were not clear in understanding over all objects and the purpose of reflection. In implementing practice of reflective teaching the finding also showed that they were not recording the lessons during teaching, have no more experience in taking action research, in writing journal or daily basis and self-evaluating reflective practice. Lastly, the finding of teachers` challenge on reflective teaching showed that most of the respondents replied that reflective teaching is a challenge-full activity as it requires a considerable amount of time and energy to frequently record and plan a lesson. Giving and taking feedback are also demanding tasks in reflective teaching. To sum up, as result showed EFL teachers` perception, practice, and challenges in implementing reflective teaching in secondary schools of Loma Woreda were moderately perceived and practiced implementing and considered as a challenge full activity. So, EFL teachers should be given training on frequently practicing and implementing different styles of reflective teaching.