1. As an Integral Component of Leadership
Reflection
As an Integral Component of Leadership

2. Reflection – a Definition
...a process by which an individual thinks about something that he/she has done, analyzes whether or not that behavior was effective, and determines what factors contributed to the behaviors\’s success or failure.
…learning from experience.
…to prepare to deal effectively with the future.

3. Reflection – a Definition
…a process by which an individual thinks about something that he/she has done, analyzes whether or not that behavior was effective, and determines what factors contributed to the behaviors\’s success or failure.
…learning from experience.
…to prepare to deal effectively with the future.

4. Importance of Reflection
Only if quality time is devoted to it
An important element of effective training (e.g., EdD academic) programs
Must be tied to the work that participants are engaged in
Opportunities to engage with others about their work
Need to understand rapidity and complexity of everyday events

5. Reflection as a Tool
A way for professionals to deal with complexities, uncertainties and value conflicts inherent in their jobs.
A tool to review past actions for confirmation, validation, or redirection

6. Individual Reflection
Journal writing as a means of establishing a conscious inner dialogue
Requires time and discipline
Freewriting – writing whatever comes to mind without stopping or editing - get it out to make sense of it
Looping – examining issues from different angles – “other person’s shoes”
Case Record – capture it to study it

7. Factors Contributing to Effective Reflection
Time to reflect;
A structure or vehicle to reflect;
Physical, psychological, and/or emotional distance from the situation that is the target of the reflection

8. Summary
Reflection requires time and means to thoughtfully consider past or current actions in relation to new learning.
If reflection is to have real impact on human behavior, it must occur as a conscious inner dialogue.
The individual must have distance from the press of everyday events
Reflection must include proposed action (what does mean to me and what do I do?)

9. References
Roberts, Laraine. (1997) Taking Stock of Yourself as an Instructional Leader – California School Leadership Academy, pp
Schon, D. (1983) The Reflective Practitioner. Pp