An Introduction to Reflective Practice

Peter Treadwell

Some initial reflections

“The life without examination is no life”

Plato trans. [2000]

“Reflective practice allows you an opportunity to inhabit the

Unknown.” Gillie Bolton [2006]

 

More reflections

‘Rabbit’s clever,’ said Pooh thoughtfully.

‘Yes’, said Piglet, ‘Rabbit’s clever.’

‘And he has brain.’

‘Yes’, said Piglet, ‘Rabbit has brain.’

There was a long silence.

‘I suppose’, said Pooh, ‘that’s why he never understands anything.’

AA Milne [1928]

So, what do we think Reflective Practice involves?

Reflective Practice involves…

Immersion in the process

‘minding the gap’….’mining the gaps’

Self –questioning and ‘Ah Ha’ moments!

Utilizing our feelings, instincts…building autonomy

Searching for a values based working

Enjoyment!

Reflective Practice and narrative

RP as analytical ‘story-telling’…Not about storing data

RP is ethnography..telling; getting inside; ‘going native’

RP – key procedures – observing; participation; interviewing; Questionnaires; document searches; media analysis

RP – demands - immersion; empathy; trust; parking ‘personal baggage’

Writing tasks

What RP does

• RP questions ‘certainty’ by demanding enquiry

• RP seeks to understand personal and organizational power…and illuminates relational management

• RP makes you reflect on the important things by examining non-critical incidents

• RP makes you consider your planning, actionsand interactions

Reflectivity and Reflection

Reflexivity implies ‘alteration, change and modification’

To ‘flex’ – to curve, bend, re-shape

Reflection implies chewing over, rumination, pondering

Reflexivity – some practical tips

Ask questions like - “what have I missed?”

Focus on you and your ‘impact’ – ‘helicopter self’

Consider – always – your core values

Analyze the words, behaviour and feelings of others

Why reflect – initial conclusions

Personal empowerment

Critical of self and organization

Builds “thick description” Geertz, [1973]

Develops observational, writing and analytical skills

RP makes you a better communicator + teamplayer