History of Productive Reflection
It is believed that Productive Reflection has emerged from influences of the likes of John Dewey and Donald Schön. John Dewey's thoughts on Reflective Practice are often recognised as being the foundation for the concept of reflective thinking, with Donald Schön's thoughts building on Dewey's foundations.
According to Dewey in 1933, reflective thinking is a "thought process that involves turning a subject over in the mind and giving it serious and consecutive consideration". Dewey suggested that reflection went through five stages between recognising a problem and finding a solution. The stages are as follows;
Donald Schön, in1983, suggested a theory comprising of 'knowing-in-action' and 'reflecting-in-action'.
While both theorists are well known for their contributions in education, their work has also significantly contributed to the current schools of thought regarding reflection in the workplace.
According to Dewey in 1933, reflective thinking is a "thought process that involves turning a subject over in the mind and giving it serious and consecutive consideration". Dewey suggested that reflection went through five stages between recognising a problem and finding a solution. The stages are as follows;
- The starting point - beginning in a state of doubt, disturbance and uncertainty
- Recognising and defining the problem
- Generating a plan
- Considering all possible consequences - using past experiences to initiate experimental thinking
- Putting the plan to action and generating feedback
Donald Schön, in1983, suggested a theory comprising of 'knowing-in-action' and 'reflecting-in-action'.
- Knowing-in-action refers to the automatic response based on an intuitive feeling derived from previous experience.
- Refection-in-action refers to the thought process while carrying out an action. It is about "thinking about doing something while doing it" and often occurs when something unexpected happens, positive or negative.
While both theorists are well known for their contributions in education, their work has also significantly contributed to the current schools of thought regarding reflection in the workplace.
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