Reflecting on Reflection!

Centres of ExcellenceLevel 3 F2F2Dr. Simon BrownhillUniversity of Cambridge

What do you think?

• TASK: UoC trainers to give each table a number (1-5). Trainers should work together in small groups (2-3) on their table and only answer the question which corresponds to the number their table was given (10 minutes).

• Trainers should then circulate around the room (20 minutes), sharing their thoughts about reflection with others from different tables, recording these thoughts on their question cards.

Question 1

What is reflection?• Reflection refers to

thinking (Parker, 1997).• Reflection is a basic

human habit which serves as an integral part of our lives – I wonder if there is a quicker way to get to the gym?

• Reflection is looking back at something – an event, a situation, an occasion, an incident – that may be tied to our emotions, thoughts and feelings and/or to those of others (Moon, 2005).

• Were our words/actions appropriate?

Question 1

Is ‘reflection’ the same as ‘reflective practice’?• Yes, but in a more

formal, structured and ‘deeper’ way.

• ‘Learning from experience.’ (Spalding, 1998)

• Thoughtful deliberation.’ (Tickle, 1994)

Reflective practice is:• An active process of

learning through thought and experience

• About gaining new insight• An examination of

assumptions of everyday practice

• A critical evaluation of oneself and one’s practice

Question 2

Why should trainers and teachers reflect on their practice?• It supports your/their initial/continuing professional

development.• It helps to inform change in the workplace. • It helps to improve the quality of provision and

practice.• It is regarded as one of the ‘key qualities’

of effective professionals.

Question 3

When can trainers and teachers reflect on their practice?• In-action = during the

event.• On-action = after the

event (Schön, 1991)• For-action = before

the event (Eraut, 1995)

Where can they reflect?Anywhere that they feel is comfortable and allows them to reflect e.g.• At school• During your training• At a coffee shop• At home• In the bath!

Question 4

How can trainers and teachers reflect?• Individually• In pairs – on a 1-to-1 • In small groups• Online – email, forums• Verbally• In written form• Through drawings

and photographs

What can help them to reflect?• Reflective cycles• Reflective diaries/logs/

journals/notebooks• Reflective portfolios!• Reflective prompts/

questions/sentence starters

Question 5

What are the difficulties with reflection?• Time – when to reflect?• How to reflect? What

to reflect on?• Feelings of inadequacy • “I just can’t reflect on

my own!”• How to be better

after reflecting?!

How can these difficulties be overcome?

• Actively make time!

• Use reflective questions

• Think about strengths/ weaknesses/ways to do things differently

• Engage with academic/ reflective literature

• Use observations and appraisals for reflection