This thesis is contcxtualiscd within the boundaries of language learning, language teaching and the preparation of teachers. It comprises an examination of the role of an innovation in materials design in the context of English language teacher education in Malaysia. Specifically, the thesis reports on a study of the use of a package of vidco- based materials with four groups of student teachers (graduates and undergraduates) during one semester in the Science University of Malaysia (Universiti Sains Malaysia). The package attempts to provide learners with experience of authentic English language lessons conducted by practising Malaysian teachers. Such experience provides opportunities for observation and reflection as a way of developing professional teaching skills, in part through focusing on classroom processes and realities. The materials provide opportunities for 'safe-experimentation' and developing experience within the rationale of a reflective approach to teacher education. In examining the assumptions about factors deemed to be important in the design and use of video materials, the research attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice in teacher education. In exploring ways of reconciling theory and practice, the study examines a significant approach to teacher education called reflection. The thesis focuses on a number of interpretations of reflection, especially Dewey's and Schon's. Strategies and programmes developed to produce reflective teachers arc also examined in order to inform and provide a foundation for the conduct of the research. The first chapter places the research in context and provides a rationale for the study. The next two chapters examine reflective orientations in teacher education, while chapter four reviews developments in English language teaching methodology. Chapter five focuses on the historical development of English to its present role and status in Malaysia. Chapters six, seven and eight describe the methodology and findings of the study. Chapter nine concludes the research by drawing together the various threads developed in the thesis.