mixed-methods design

This study investigates the immediate impact of reflective practices on the language assessment literacy of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Combining quantitative assessment literacy measures with qualitative analysis of reflective practices, the research draws on the theoretical frameworks of Alderson, Fulcher, and Schön. Empirical insights from Akbari, Farrokhi, Shahnazari, and Karami and Rahimi provide a contextual backdrop within the Iranian EFL educational context. Using a mixed-methods design involving 50 EFL teachers, the study employs adapted assessment literacy measurement tools and reflective practices assessment tools. The results, analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, paired t-tests, and qualitative exploration, highlight improvements in specific areas such as choosing appropriate assessment methods and using results for decision-making. Implications point towards integrating reflective practices into professional development, while future research avenues include exploring long-term effects, contextual variations, and technology integration.Implications point towards integrating reflective practices into professional development, while future research avenues include exploring long-term effects, contextual variations, and technology integration.This study investigates the immediate impact of reflective practices on the language assessment literacy of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Combining quantitative assessment literacy measures with qualitative analysis of reflective practices, the research draws on the theoretical frameworks of Alderson, Fulcher, and Schön. Empirical insights from Akbari, Farrokhi, Shahnazari, and Karami and Rahimi provide a contextual backdrop within the Iranian EFL educational context.

Although reflective teaching is believed to be a significant feature of effective teachers, there is little empirical evidence to demonstrate its influence on learners’ evaluation. This study examines the relationship between EFL teachers' degree of reflection and learners’ evaluation of teacher effectiveness. Data were collected from 71 Iranian EFL teachers teaching at the private language institutes and 296 language learners. Reflective teaching inventory designed by Akbari, Behzadpour, and Dadvand (2007) was administered to the teachers and their learners’ evaluation was elicited through Murdoch’s (2000) checklist. The statistical analysis revealed significant positive relationships between reflection subscales and learners’ evaluation. It was thus assumed that understanding how reflection can change language learners’ evaluations can shed light on the role of reflection in improving teachers' performance and consequently learners’ appraisal. Hence, 10 teachers with the highest degree of reflection participated in follow-up interviews. Analysis of the interview data, indicated how reflection subscales contribute to teachers' in getting higher ratings from learners. In line with these findings, the implications for teachers, administrators and teacher education are discussed.