Reflecting upon reflection Ann Winter 2009

E.R.A. Experience Reflective process Action

Learning from reflection ‘…we learn by doing and realising what came of what we did…’ Dewey (1938) Kolb (1984) Experiential learning cycle – when we learn from events we need to recall and reflect on our observations. Reflect – describe event and experience, analyse it so that we form some theories and understanding of it ie learning to apply to our practice

Cycle We consciously take action as a result of our reflections then the next time we have that experience we encounter it in a different way The experience has been transformed making it into a different experience

Pragmatic view Practical/problem solving Proliferation of models & frameworks Dewey - ‘authentic reflection’ when confronted by a ‘felt difficulty’ which is problematic/perplexing Reflecting upon experience/actions rather than Schon ‘in action’

Reflection upon action Time and place Reflect back to event/action and slow down the event Slow motion of event Describe event – how things appeared to you Exercise 1

Brief descriptive narrative Description of events A thumbnail sketch Factual detail Who What When

Stage 1 15 minutes Choose an incident that has had some form of impression on you - things may have gone well or not as well as expected Describe it Who did it involve? What exactly did you do?

Go back again to observing the event Identify the ‘felt’ problem Begin to ? Actions Consider motives for behaviour/possible explanations Exercise 2

Wise non- judgmental but challenging observer Can you explain why you did it that way? Going back to…….what did you think? Were you aware of…….? How did you feel? What was good/bad? Are there key themes from the incident?

Slow motion to Transcendence Identify ‘felt’ problem Explore rationale Deeper thought processes Alternative explanations/actions Consider assumptions and personal values Exercise 3

Critical reflection What did you learn? Is there any theory you can use to consider the event? Could you have done anything differently? If it happens again what will you do?

Known to unknown Apply reasoning to event Explore tentative theory Gaining conscious control of your thinking and knowledge Exercise 4

Retrospective - dig Discovering and exploring assumptions through the use of Socratic dialogue Why? What was your reasoning Consider how others might have viewed the event Consider your emotions Are there any associations with similar events/prior knowledge?

Changed perspective Transformational learning Change the way we see ourselves and our world If it happens again what would you do?

Critical reflection Reflecting upon practice situations so that they become learning situations to become the practitioner you want to be Johns pool of inviting blue water- shallow end where you can see the bottom and deep end where the bottom is unknown (what depths must I go to know myself?)

Schon (1983) The reflective practitioner Two types of knowledge 1.Technical rationality – knowing that (facts) – the artists tools 2.Professional artistry – knowing how- intuitive knowledge from practice – same tools different pictures

Window Critical reflection is a window through which the practitioner can view and focus self Context of own lived experience Confront and work towards resolving contradictions between what is and what is desirable practice Johns 2000 Becoming a reflective practitioner

Indicative content Recall - Brief descriptive narrative identifying the critical issue Retrospective - Exploration and analysis of personal assumptions within the event Selection and reference to theoretical literature on reflective practice Examination of the critical issue with reference to a reflective framework or model and rationale for its use Discussion and evaluation of internal and external contextual issues and their impact on the event Evaluation of own performance through discussion of a changed personal perspective and implications for professional practice

Illuminate Are there any patterns? Can you draw upon any theories? Read around wider perspectives Consider contextual policies, evidence Revisit the event and consider if there are new frames of reference

Well worn paths are easy to follow but guide and mould to their own pattern Tools are useful The depths you must go to are to encounter the deep end – to not just navel gaze but to identify and challenge assumptions, context and use imagination to consider alternatives