DEFINITIONS
Here is a range of definitions of reflection and reflective practice for you to consider.
“active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds that support it and the further conclusions to which it tends constitutes reflective thought”
Dewey 1933, p9
“a generic term for those intellectual and affective activities in which individuals engage to explore their experiences in order to lead to new understandings and appreciation”
Boud et al 1985, p3
“a lived activity, not an abstract academic pastime and crucial to understanding our personal relationships, envisioning alternative and more productive ways of organising the workplace, and becoming politically literate”
Brookfield 1987, p14
“assessment of the validity of the presuppositions of one’s meaning perspectives and examination of their sources and consequences”
Mezirow 1990, p12
“Maybe reflective practices offer us a way of trying to make sense of the uncertainty in our workplaces and the courage to work competently and ethically at the edge of order and chaos…”
Ghaye, 2000, p7
“the ability to understand the social dimensions and political functions of experience and meaning making, and the ability to apply this understanding in working in social contexts”
Fook 2006, p14
“an intentional social process, where context and experience are acknowledged, in which learners are active individuals, wholly present, engaging with others, open to challenge, and the outcome involves transformation as well as improvement for both individuals and their environment"
Brockbank and McGill 2007, p36