6.1 Reflective Practice
Reflective practice is the ability to reflect on one’s actions so as to engage in a process of continuous learning. – Donald Schon
Reflective practice involves thoughtfully examining one’s actions, decisions, and experiences. Even though it is a short definition, it is a part of a much larger process. Reflective practice is a way to learn from real-life experiences and acquire a new understanding and appreciation of situations that one is presented with.
How often do you find yourself reviewing the events of the day? Whether it might be an interaction you had with a friend, or in a placement setting, how you interacted with a client, or a staff member. We often look back on our day and review these questions in our minds. Do you often think about the decision that influenced these interactions, and then how you felt about these decisions? Often, this process, reflection, happens without us even knowing.
Reflection will help you explain, unify, review, and develop a meaning from your experiences. It involves examining our views, our thinking, our beliefs, and our values to rethink our practice. For many, this may not be a comfortable skill at first, and may take some practice. However, through reflective practice activities, you will uncover your own perspectives, ideals and how you can improve in the future in your clinical practice.
Review the following video to provide an overview of reflection.
Video: “Reflective Writing” by SkillsTeamHullUni [6:07] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
After viewing this video and reviewing some of the definitions of reflective practice, take a few minutes to think about what reflective practice means to you. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The answer will depend on many factors that may have influenced you, your background, and how you perceive certain situations and circumstances.
What Does Reflective Practice Mean to You?
As a Personal Support Worker student, you will engage in reflective practice. The activity of reflective practice will support your ongoing development and will help you evaluate your skills, experiences, and reflect on what went well and what you may want to change for your next placement day.
