Schön’s Reflection-in-Action
Donald Schön was an influential thinker in developing the concept of reflective practice within the context of professional learning and development. One of his key concepts is “reflection-in-action,” which is part of his broader theory on the reflective practitioner.
Understanding Reflection-in-Action:
- Immediate Reflection: Reflection-in-action is the process of reflecting on one’s work while still doing it. It is a kind of professional thinking that occurs in response to an unexpected situation or problem.
- Adaptive Expertise: This concept is about being able to think on your feet and adapt to new situations by drawing on your knowledge and past experiences.
- Problem-Solving: Reflection-in-action is often seen as a problem-solving activity where professionals modify their actions in response to the unfolding situation.
Key Aspects of Reflection-in-Action:
- Intuition and Spontaneity: It involves using intuition to make spontaneous decisions based on one’s expertise and experiences.
- Dynamic Learning Process: Schön saw reflection-in-action as a means for professionals to learn from their experiences in a dynamic process that evolves over time.
- Reframing the Problem: It often includes reframing the problem to understand it more fully and develop a more fitting response.
Implications for Professional Practice:
- Continuous Learning: Professionals are encouraged to engage in continuous learning through reflective practice, enhancing their ability to handle complex and uncertain situations.
- Skill Development: Reflection-in-action is a critical skill for professional development, allowing for on-the-spot adaptation and learning.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: By reflecting in the moment, professionals can improve their decision-making processes and outcomes.