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Reflection, I realized, is not a one-time activity but a continuous process of repetition and remodeling and Finlay (2008) explains, it’s not just about remembering events, but about diving deeper into why things happened the way they did. By reflecting on our actions, we gain valuable insights that help us improve and grow, allowing us to handle similar situations better inhe future. While looking at the benefits to reflective practice one of the key advantages is self-awareness. By reflecting on our experiences, we gain a better understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This is crucial for both personal and professional growth. For example, a teacher who reflects on their lesson plan can learn what worked well and what needs improvement for next time.
Reflective practice also enhances our critical thinking and decision-making skills. When we reflect on our actions and their outcomes, we can see what worked and what didn’t, which helps us make more informed choices in the future. Additionally, it helps build emotional intelligence, allowing us to better understand and manage our emotions, as well as those of others, improving our relationships and communication. Finally, reflective practice encourages continuous improvement. By consistently evaluating our experiences, we can refine our skills, adapt to challenges, and evolve as professionals.
Reflective practice has been shaped by theorists like Kolb, Gibbs, and Schön.
Kolb’s Learning Cycle (1984) suggests that learning is an ongoing process involving four stages: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation. We learn by doing, reflecting on our actions, making sense of our experiences, and testing new ideas in future situations (It is to do, review, learn and apply methods of learning).
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (1988) breaks the reflection process into six steps: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan. This model helps individuals analyze their experiences step-by-step, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and create an action plan.
Schön’s Theory of Reflective Practice (1983) introduces the concepts of reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action. Reflection-in-action occurs when we adjust our approach during and experience, while reflection-on-action happens after the event, when we review and think about how things could have been done differently. Both types of reflection are important for ongoing learning and improvement.
