Methods of reflective practice
Reflective practice is the ability to reflect on one’s actions to engage in a process of continuous learning Donald Schon.
This week we focus on the different methods of reflective practise, which include reflective journals, peer groups and corporative inquiry.
These different methods can be applied in different settings which will be discussed below.
Reflective journals
A reflective journal gives individuals an opportunity to reflect in their actions through documenting ideas, feelings, observations, questions, speculations, self-awareness, and visions.
Often used as a learning tool by students, a reflective journal can be used by professionals as they seek to develop their leadership styles and careers.
The journal can be kept both online and on paper and takes the general format:
- Write/ record – a particular event
- Reflect / think about the event
- Analyse, explain gain insight
- Conclusions
- Personal Action plan
The main benefit of a reflective journal is that it enables individuals to express their feelings and emotional responses in a safe environment.
As individuals express their feelings, they can reflect on the meaning and relevance or lack of relevance of their feelings in relation to a specific encounter.
Writing down one’s actions enables them to become aware of the impact of their actions to the situation as well as individuals around them.
This in turn helps individuals to rethink their strategies of dealing with certain situations.
A reflective journal is personal and enables individuals to focus on their thoughts and develop their ideas at their own pace.
As one reflects, they can develop their own voice and gain confidence to share their ideas with other team members.
Reflective practise also enables individuals to experiment with ideas and ask critical questions to ensure that their ideas are solid.
Through reflective practice individuals can develop conceptual and analytical skills, allowing professionals to think and work through abstract ideas and come up with multiple solutions to complex issues.
Peer groups and Co-operative Inquiry
Reflective practise can be done in a group setting were peers or teams meet on a regular basis to learn and reflect together.
Peer groups can be a very powerful tool to support individual reflective practise.
As group members carryout a collective reflective practise by discussing work issues related to a specific project.
Each individual shares and reflects on the role they played in the project. Learning experiences are shared and action plans put in place for future projects and or tasks. The following questions are asked in peer group settings:
λ What did we learn
λ What do we need to learn more about
λ What was easy/ difficult
λ What went well / wrong
λ Why did I feel the way o did
λ I wonder what would have happened if ….
λ How can I improve in future
Co-operative Inquiry
This is a method of reflective practise that was developed by John Heron to support the reflective practice of participatory researchers.
It is a participative form of inquiry in which all those involved are both co-researchers and co-subjects.
It involves a group working through a structured, four-stage cycle of action and reflection, namely Concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation, through which group members move towards developing new ways of acting.
The above methods of reflective practise are guidelines which provide a useful starting point for those unsure where to begin.
It is important to note that reflective practise is a continuous process which requires time, resources, and dedication to ensure continuous development and growth.
Chiedza Kadare is an OD Practitioner. You can get in touch with her on WhatsApp/call +263 77 283 0986 or Email chiedza.kadare@gmail.com
Paul Nyausaru is an OD Practitioner and leadership coach. For all your OD interventions and leadership development training you can get in touch with him on WhatsApp/call +263774062756 or Email pnyausaru@gmail.com
