Reflective Practice

“Reflective practice is learning through examining what we think happened on any occasion, and how we think others perceived the event and us, opening up our practice to the scrutiny of others.” 

Bolton, 2010 
Reflective Practice. 

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC) Chinese Philosopher

Contemporary understanding of reflective practice as described by Donald Schön in 1996 as,

“Reflective practice involves thoughtfully considering your own experiences as you make the connection between knowledge and practice, under the guidance of an experienced professional within your discipline.”

It is a way of looking at oneself critically to identify what we are doing, how well we are doing it, and where we sit within our communities of practice.

Reflection is: To learn from both experience and theory to deepen understanding.