How to use itProductive reflection is a learning tool that can be used constantly and informally, on a daily basis. And it can also be implemented in training programs to enhance learning.
While reflection is often an informal practice it is important to implement some formal processes in order to support the learning and make it meaningful. As a manager in a childcare environment, it is important to use reflection regularly to ensure best practice is always being considered and applied. Below are some steps to follow in order to effectively implement productive reflection in the workplace (in particular in a childcare environment): |
- Training: Not all employees will be proficient in using reflective practices so it is important to provide training, if necessary, in order to assist employees in developing these skills. This training can be done externally or can simply be done by a manager within the workplace. Training may or may not be necessary as it depends on the employees current knowledge and abilities. Support and examples may be sufficient to "get the ball rolling"
- Support and examples: It may be beneficial in the early stages to provide employees with specific examples of the process you wish to implement. For example if you want your employees to reflect daily in a journal, provide an actual example of this for employees to look at. It may also be beneficial to pair up employees logically, in the early stages, so that someone who is skilled in reflective practices can assist and mentor someone who needs more support and assistance.
- Physical resources: It is essential to provide employees with the resources that they will need to carry out the reflective practices. If you wish for your employees to keep a daily or weekly journal, it is necessary to ensure you provide them with that journal. Similarly if you wish for your employees to fill out a general form where they answer questions, it is important to ensure they are provided with this form. Click here to see an example of such a form for a Vacation Care based childcare program.
- Provide time for individual employees to reflect: In a childcare setting it is essential to provide the time for your employees to be away from the children so they can reflect effectively. Whether this be giving them 15 minutes in the office at the end of their day or during the children's lunch break will depend on your service but it is essential to provide that time or it will not happen.
- Provide time for sharing: It is important to then provide the time for your employees to get together and discuss what they reflected on. This can be done in a regular meeting. For the example given previously for the Vacation Care based childcare program, the manager holds a meeting a week after every program where the employees can share their responses to the questions on the form and a discussion is generated as to what improvements can be made for the next program.
- Come up with solutions/changes/improvements as a team during the time for sharing
- Continue reflection process: Implement the changes discussed and continue reflecting to further improve and to ensure best practice is always being considered and applied.
- The more Productive Reflection is done the more proficient employees will be with it.
It is also beneficial to implement reflective practices to further enhance the learning in training programs. If, for example, you were to conduct a training program on how to best manage transitions in your childcare environment, it would be beneficial to apply reflective practices during the program to enhance the learning occurring. This is most effectively done by:
- Taking 15 minutes at the end of each training session or day, to reflect on what was learnt
- Share this reflection with other members of the training sessions
- Reflect on current practices at work compared to the learning that has occurred
- Generate discussion and questions for further learning
Are there any advantages or disadvantages to using it? |
For more information regarding the advantages and disadvantages for managers wishing to implement this learning technique please click the link below.
|