Learning Module #8: Self Reflection Practice

1. Learning Module #8: Self Reflection Practice • Jennifer Hellier, PhD. • Colorado Area Health Education Center Program Office • Co-HPD@ucdenver.edu

2. Reflective Practice Reflection is what allows us to learn from our experiences It is an assessment of where we have been and where we want to go next. ~ Kenneth Wolf

3. Definition ”…a set of abilities and skills, to indicate the taking of a critical stance, an orientation to problem solving, or state of mind.” (Moon,1999)

4. So, why reflect?

5. Reflection Helps Learners To: • Understand what they already know (individual) • Identify what they need to know in order to advance understanding of the subject (contextual) • Make sense of new information and feedback in the context of their own experience (relational) • Guide choices for further learning (developmental)

6. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory ConcreteExperience Active Experimentation Reflective Observation Abstract Conceptualization

7. Four Stages of the Learning Cycle Concrete Experience- A new experience or situation is encountered. Or a reinterpretation of existing experience Reflective Observation (of the new experience). Reviewing/reflecting the experience. Are there any inconsistencies between your experience and how you understand it? ( https://www.simplypsychology.org)

8. Four Stages of the Learning Cycle Abstract Conceptualization: Concluding and learning from the experience. Reflection gives rise to new idea(s) or to modify existing abstract concept. The person learned from the experience ( https://www.simplypsychology.org)

9. Four Stages of the Learning Cycle Active Experimentation: Planning and trying out what you have learned You apply your ideas(s) to the world around you and see what happens ( https://www.simplypsychology.org)

10. The Learning Cycle Taking Stock: What do I know?(individual) Reflection: What do I need to know? (contextual) Planning: How can I take my learning further? (developmental) Feedback and Evaluation: How much and how well do I now understand? (relational)

11. Personal Reflections • Strengths? • Weaknesses? • Identifying Problems? • Action Plan? • Priorities? • Time management? • Motivation? • Direction?

12. How to Reflect

13. Reflection Involves • S-L-O-W-I-N-G down • Pause to examine, analyze, inquire about the complexities of life • Active choice to pause and examine. This is not a passive process! • Cognitive processes -- analysis, synthesis, evaluation • Many different forms and functions – many ways to reflect

14. Reflection: A State of Mind • Learning styles show preferences during this activity • Not everyone is as reflective – some are more action-oriented • Reflection can be encouraged by: • Structuring in daily schedule • Journaling • Realistic assessment gives strength

15. Become a Reflective Learner • Establish objectives • Recognize current level of performance • Plan how to meet targets • Use effective time management • Use feedback and support • Monitor and review progress • Critically reflect on own learning

16. Relevance to Career Path • Employers look for self-reflective people with: • Skills of analysis • Interpersonal skills • Intrapersonal skills • Self development • Critical reflection on performance