Reflection in Learning and Professional Development: Theory and Practice

This book is an attempt to take an overview of reflection, both in terms of the literature, the common meaning of reflection and, in particular, in terms of its value in practical ways of improving learning and professional practice. The existence of an enormous gap in the literature between an identification of the nature of reflection and the processes of learning means that the many applications of reflection in educational and professional situations are guided by assumption or guesswork. The book begins by addressing this issue. In doing so, the authors do not attempt to pull the ideas in the literature into one precise definition. They establish boundaries that can be placed around the term to provide it with greater coherency. The book concludes with the practical use of reflection to improve learning and practice. The author considers the conditions of the learning environment which encourage reflection and presents two case studies in professional development and practice where deliberate and carefully designed exercise of reflection contributed to the greater impact of short courses and to effective decision making. The book includes practical activities and exercises which encourage learners to reflect on their learning or practice. (From the Publisher)