EXPECTATIONS OF POSTGRADUATE STUDY: Study Skills Reflective practice and learning through reflection.

Session objectives: To understand the concept and practice of reflection To consider where it fits with your studies

J. Moon’s definition (1999) The term ‘reflection’ is applied to relatively complex or ill-structured ideas for which there is not an obvious solution and it largely refers to the further processing of knowledge and understanding that we already possess

“ Reflective practice is a process of learning and developing through examining our own practice, opening our practice to scrutiny by others and studying texts from the wider sphere.” Bolton (2001:4) It’s the A-HA or the oh I see! moments.

“a developmental process by which an individual explores everyday aspects of practice with a critical eye while simultaneously engaging in self evaluation and the evaluation of the experience” (Johns 1995) “The process of thinking back on a situation or project to explore the information and other factors that influenced the handling of the situation” (Saylor 1990)

Stages of Knowing (Baxter Magolda 197 cited by Moon J) Absolute knowing: a belief that answers exist, if there is uncertainty it is because you have not been able to access the ‘right’ answer. Was this what you sought when you asked tutors to tell you what should be in assignments in the beginning? Transitional stage: some doubts about the certainty of knowledge and learners begin to make judgements as to how to best apply knowledge for their circumstances. An example might be when you used models/theories and applied them to your organisations and made judgements as to their value?

Stages of knowing: 3. Independent knowing: recognise uncertainty and have more confidence in expressing own views and opinions. You see the value of the contributions from peers and engage in exploring ideas. Use of action learning sets? 4. Contextual knowing: your ideas, opinions, knowledge is supported by evidence taken from the contexts under study. The dissertation? This may lead to the creation of new knowledge based on the evidence of contexts. Good critical thinkers are careful about expert opinion especially if experts dispute the knowledge. (Vaughan L. 2005:p120. The Power of Critical Thinking Oxford Press Oxford)

Reflective practice can enable us to: study our own decision-making processes be constructively critical of our relationships with colleagues analyse hesitations and skill and knowledge gaps face problematic and/or painful episodes identify learning needs. Bolton (2001:14)

The purpose of reflection: Stimulates enquiry Develops the analytical skills and creative powers of the user. Aids learning Helps to integrate theory and practice as the individual practitioner seeks for the best available evidence on which to base their practice. Leads to a greater understanding and practice competence Enables practitioners to justify the decisions that they make.

Skills of reflection: Observation/awareness of : self (thoughts, values) others (behaviour, attitudes) feelings, contexts, desires, prejudices. Memory/recall: Association with other situations, integration, validation: reality testing, consistency in behaviours and new situations, ethical stance, appropriation: new understanding becomes part of your growing identity as a professional. Critical thought: analysis, synthesis, evaluation

Model for structured reflection (Johns 1994) What was I trying to achieve? Why did I respond as I did? What were the consequences of that for others and myself? How was this person(s) feeling? How did I know this? How did I feel in this situation? What internal factors were influencing me? How did my actions match my beliefs? What factors made me act in incongruent ways? What knowledge did or should have informed me? What would be the consequences of alternative actions?

Some References: Bolton G. (2001) Reflective Practice: writing and professional development. Paul Chapman Publishing London. Moon J. (1999) Learning journals: a handbook for academics, students and professional development Kogan Page London Moon J (2000) Reflection in Learning and professional development. Kogan Page London. Megginson D Whitaker V (2007) Continuing Professional Development CIPD London.