Considerations
It is important to note that while reflection at work can be structured, it does not necessarily have to be formal. It would be more beneficial to consider how the working environment is organised in order to create the space and time for the structured reflection practices. As mentioned earlier, productive reflection is about acknowledging the huge learning potential that work brings and the need to integrate learning activities into day-to-day workplace activities.
Below are some more factors to be considered before implementing a productive reflection learning technique:
Below are some more factors to be considered before implementing a productive reflection learning technique:
- Time: If done correctly, this learning technique does not need to be at all time consuming. However, it is important to provide the time for individuals to be able to reflect effectively. With any childcare environment it is fast paced and busy so it is essential to provide time away from the chaos to allow employees to concentrate on reflecting. This should only need to be roughly 15 minutes at a time, which is not a lot considering the benefits it can achieve. Time for sharing is also a consideration however this can be done during regular staff meetings, which as childcare workers should be occurring regularly regardless.
- Cost: This learning technique is not too much of an extra cost as it can be done by managers directly with employees on a day-to-day basis. The only cost to consider is the extra time that needs to be put aside, as well as any additional training that may be required, but again this can be done by managers.
- Learner Capabilities: "The knowledge needed to make sense of the experiences cannot be acquired through experience" (Boud, Cressey & Docherty, 2006). Employees need to have, at least, a basic understanding of the reflection practices you are wishing to implement. Being a higher level thinking activity, not all employees will be able to simply adopt this technique and participate effectively. It is important to provide support, particularly in the early days, so as to provide the opportunity for employees to develop this skill.
Helpful hints
Below are some hints for effectively implementing productive reflection in your workplace:
|
- It is important not to restrict this learning technique to only one perspective as it is complex, but to develop an approach that is multifaceted in the way that it allows for contributions from both an individual perspective and a group or organisational perspective.
- It is important to tailor this technique to your workplace and employees whether it be a journal that is completed daily by childcare staff, or a form of questions completed at the end of a program by Vacation Care staff. It is not a case of "one size fits all". However, particularly in the early days while employees are getting used to it, it is valuable to provide additional support through the use of specific questions rather than giving employees a blank canvas and instructing them to simply "reflect".
Want more info? |
Click the button below for links to more information and a list of references.
|