What is reflection?

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What is Reflection? Why Reflect? How do we reflect? What is Reflection? It can be said, that we are reflecting all the time, without always noticing it. The idea is to bring awareness to the process. “The process of reflection involves examining our experiences anew and assessing what is reflected back. This may also mean constructing a new meaning, or one which makes sense in new or different circumstances” (Fook & Askeland ‘The ‘critical’ in critical reflection, 2006, p41)

Schön (1987) in his work identifies two types of reflection; these are reflection-in-action (thinking on your feet) and reflection-on-action (retrospective thinking). Reflective Cycle What? (Descriptive) So What? (Interpretive and Emotive) Now What? (Active) Why Reflect? “One of the hardest things (workers) have to learn is that the sincerity of their intentions does not guarantee the purity of their practice” (Brookfield, 1995, p 1)

Purpose of reflection: First, to develop greater understanding of the world and/or our actions in the world, and second, to move beyond simply ‘knowing’ to changing our actions in light of our deeper understandings of the world and our actions within it. How to reflect There are different ways to reflect, and also, different levels. From technical reflection that considers practical issues and efficiency, to considering own and other’s perspectives, to exploring underlying assumptions, and issues of power, ethics, values and beliefs. Reflecting can be done using a range of tools and techniques. This can depend on what you hope to get from the reflection process. An important consideration is bringing your awareness to the process. Summary of main points of Reflection Workshop • Reflection is bringing attention and awareness to our behaviours, thoughts and feelings to discover more about ourselves and our place in the world, and to then consider our behaviours, thoughts and feelings in light of this discovery. • Reflection is important as it helps us to discover more about ourselves (why we do things, our assumptions) and the world (how we interact with the world, and the impact of the world on us plus our impact on the world) • There are numerous ways to reflect. We are different people with different styles. Find a way of reflecting that suits you.


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