Resources

REFLECTION has many definitions, depending on the interests, assumptions, beliefs and purposes of different people. In simple terms, however, ‘reflection’ may be defined as deliberate and focused attempts to make greater meaning and understanding of our experience. We experience hundreds of events, ideas and feelings every day; mostly, we don’t stop to take time to think about or talk about these. Reflection is about creating time and opportunity to step back from some of these events, ideas and feelings and to spend time considering them, what we learnt from them and exploring possible alternatives and the consequences of these alternatives.

Towards a definition of reflection: There are many definitions and conceptualisations of ‘reflection’ and ‘critical reflection’, both simple and complex. There is no one ‘right’ or ‘correct’ definition or conceptualization. As we will see, context is important.

Now we examine the value of reflective practice in the workplace. Professionals working in the fields of business, law, medicine, engineering, social work and education generously share their knowledge and experiences. They explain why reflective practice is important and describe how they look for these qualities in current and future colleagues and employees, with some valuable tips along the way.