Reflection/Critical Thinking

Why Reflect Contrary to how it might seem, reflection is not about looking back but about getting new insights and meanings from what you already know. It can also provide of evidence of critical thinking and personal development, qualities which are likely to be valued by future employers and professional organisations which are increasingly looking for professionals rather than just experts. Reflective techniques will help you develop ways of dealing with the real life, complex problems you will undoubtedly come across in your professional career. So it is a very practical skill rather than something that scientists and engineers see as airy fairy. Techniques At outset reflection needs practice, time and commitment. It is widely acknowledged that some people naturally find it easier than others so dont worry if you find it difficult particularly when you first start. It helps if you can be curious, patient, open and honest, and if you accept that not everyone thinks like you do or has the same values and goals as you. Essentially you need to take some time now (PRESENT) to think over something that has happened (PAST) and decide how it will affect what you do in the next time (FUTURE). A simple way to get started is based on Reed and Koliba (1995). Take a situation and ask yourself three basic questions about it what? So what? Now what? What? So what? Now what? Explain the facts as you see them Why do you think it turned out the way it did? what might others think? What will you do again or different as a result of this?

At first you will probably find What? questions easiest to answer, and it might feel strange using I instead of the academic third person. However, answering each of these questions will help you to get started on thinking about different aspects of an event and will move your reflection from shallow descriptions to deeper interpretations which have been put into context. Other people have found it helpful to allocate a regular time for reflection - say every week or fortnight. And something like an end of semester review can help with looking for themes and issues a sort of reflection on reflections. Some Further Reading
Honey, P. and Mumford, A. (1992) The manual of learning styles. Maidenhead, Berks., Peter Honey. Third edition. Moon, J. A. (2001) Reflection in Higher Education Learning. LTSN Generic Centre.. 21/08/02 Race, P. (2002) Evidencing Reflection putting the w into reflection. http://209.85.229.132/search? q=cache:x3EBXhpU1coJ:escalate.ac.uk/downloads/3573.pdf+Http://www.escalate.ac.uk/exchange/ Reflection&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk Reed, J. and Koliba, C. (1995) Facilitating Reflection. A manual for leaders and educators. http://www.uvm.edu/~dewey/reflection_manual/