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The first question I’m sure is on your lips is, “David, what is critical reflection? Is it me looking in the mirror and realizing that my bum DOES look big in these jeans?” We’ve kinda missed that mark with that one, although please remember that Sir Mix-a-lot approves!
Ungvarsky (2023) defines critical reflection as, “the process of thinking back on an experience to understand its meaning. It is often part of a learning process, where one reflects back to clarify and understand what has been learned and consider its importance. The process can often lead to some action, such as changing assumptions, seeking additional knowledge, or establishing a new course of action.”
Great definition, but what does it mean? Simply put, critical reflection is looking back at an experience, asking ourselves questions about it, and thinking about what it means for the future. An example for you, I recently facilitated a service seminar at work and there was one section that I felt could have alienated some of the group. I thought about why this might have been and what I could do to change this, and I am now looking for alternatives to ensure no one is excluded.
Ok, now we have a grasp on critical reflection, what is transformational learning?
Meriam & Bierema (2014) quote Clark (1993) offering this definition of transformational learning, “transformational learning shapes people; they are different afterward, in ways both they and others can recognize.” They go on to offer, “Transformative learning is essentially a learning process of making meaning of one’s experience.” The Indeed Editorial Team put it another way when they say, that learning experiences fundamentally transform a person's way of thinking, thereby altering their whole perception about an idea or situation. These changes typically arise from moments of sudden insight, causing the learner to reflect on the revelatory knowledge they've gained and how it affects their understanding.”
Right so, if we reflect back on our experiences, they have to potential to change the way we think, and that could change the way we act next time. Critical reflection can lead to transformational learning, and that’s good right?
Yes! It can make people better problem-solvers, be more willing to change their habits, be more self-aware, encourage critical thinking, and even change the world!
This is all well and good, but how can we encourage critical reflection in ourselves and in others?
I recently came across Rolfe’s (2001) Reflective Model when getting some feedback on one of my PIDP assignments and this is a great starting point. We want to ask three simple questions;
What?
So What?
Now What?
My interpretation of this is to ask myself what happened, what is the impact of it, and what can I do about it. Remember that example I shared above? Can you see the three questions in there?
What?
I recently facilitated a service seminar at work and there was one section that I felt could have alienated some of the group.
So What?
I thought about why this might have been and what I could do to change this…
Now What?
I am now looking for alternatives to ensure no one is excluded.
By asking these questions to ourselves and to others we can encourage critical reflection and open the doors for transformational learning. So go an do it! Take a break and reflect on something that happened recently, apply Rolfe's model, and if the Now What generates some change then set it as a goal and go do it!
Share your successes in the comments below!
References
Indeed (2022) What Is Transformational Learning? (Definition and Importance) https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/transformational-learning
Merriam, S., & Bierema, L. (2014) Adult Learning; Linking Theory and Practice (1st ed.). Jossey-Bass
Rolfe, G., Freshwater, D., Jasper, M. (2001) Critical reflection in nursing and the helping professions: a user’s guide. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/media/MyCumbria/Documents/ReflectiveModelRolfe.pdf
Ungvarsky, J. (2023) Critical Reflection. Salem Press Encyclopedia
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