Reflective Learning
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Reflective learning has many definitions and embodies a wide breadth of applications. It is probably easier to explain it as a spectrum then a learning theory. Dewey (1933) was one of the first philosophers to give merit to reflection. Since then, his work has been built upon across multiple academic fields. It is generally understood as a process of learning through and from experience towards gaining new insights of self and/or practice (Finlay, 2008). The main tenets of reflective learning involve critical thinking, metacognition, pursuit of new understanding, and examination of assumptions.
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Reflective learning goes by several different names. Reflective practice, reflection. It is most commonly embodied in journaling. Reflective practice is a way for learners to exercise their critical thinking skills. Reflective learning can provide a framework for learners to explore contentious experiences cognitively removed from the emotion of the experience. While there are various models across different fields, the dominant mode is introspection (Finlay, 2008). Introspection being any practice that focuses on thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and evaluations.
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Reflective learning is an essential discipline for continued professional growth. To be successful in utilizing reflective learning learners must be self-aware of their feeling’s thoughts, behaviors and evaluations. Reflective learning is active learning meaning learners should expect to be engaged in cognitively puzzling out their experiences.
Tips on how to use reflective learning
Start off generally journaling at an interval that is comfortable. It is no the quality but the quantity of the journaling
Try to find a model that works for your industry. They are usually introduced in continuing education courses or certification programs.
Consistency is key, make time to qualify your current status and reread old entries for new insight.
References
Dewey, J. (1933). How we think: A restatement of the relation of reflective thinking to the educative process. Henry Regnery Co.
Finlay, L. (2008). Reflecting on ‘reflective practice.’ Practice-Based Professional Learning Centre, The Open University. https://www.open.ac.uk/opencetl/files/opencetl/file/ecms/web-content/Finlay-(2008)-Reflecting-on-reflective-practice-PBPL-paper-52.pdf
Hubbs, D. L., & Brand, C. F. (2005). The paper mirror: Understanding reflective journaling. Journal of Experiential Education, 28(1), 60–71. https://doi.org/10.1177/105382590502800107
Kessler, P. D., & Lund, C. H. (2004). Reflective journaling: Developing an online journal for distance education. Nurse Educator, 29(1), 20–24. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006223-200401000-00006