Piret LuikUniversity of Tartu

… from mistakes? … from experiences?

Gibbs (1988) claimed that without reflecting received experience may be forgotten or the learning potential lost. Reflection raises feelings and thoughts that generalizations or concepts can be generated. And only these generalizations enable the new situations resolve effectively.

… essential to link experience and learning (Zink & Dyson, 2009).

… a tool to transform a raw experience into theory, which is grounded in experience, and entails moral growth of the individual and society (Rodgers, 2002).

…a mental process that we all use in our everyday lives (Scanlan & Chernomas, 1997).

Ability to reflect on practice is the basis for learning (Killeavy & Moloney, 2010); Clark, 2009).

According to Dewey (1933, 9) reflection is “active, persistent, and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds that support it and the further conclusions to which it tend.” Furthermore, reflection needs communication to formulate experience (Dewey, 1930).

Please find a partner from the other nationality and during next 5 minutes reflect to each other your morning learning experience.

(Hatton & Smith, 1995)

(Gibbs, 1998)

(Korthagen & Vasalos, 2005 )

If you now think about your reflection, on which stage do you reached?

Change the partner and discuss with your new partner how to promote reflection.

Storytelling, reflective conversations, finding reflective metaphors, critical incident analysis, reflective diaries, repertory grids, concept mapping, asking questions. teaching portfolios,

(Gray, 2007; Hoffman et al., 2005; Korthagen, 1993; Moon, 2008; Shulman & Shulman, 2004)

regular discussions about experiences, writing journals, peer observation, lesson reports, teaching journals, drawing exercises, role play simulation, drama and poetry, creating collage, creating scenarios.

(Gray, 2007; Hoffman et al., 2005; Korthagen, 1993; Moon, 2008; Shulman & Shulman, 2004)

Change again the partner and list possible TOOLS for reflection.

Possible is to reflect in written way or verbally (Fund, Court & Kramarski, 2002).

I and my colleagues add reflection in mind, by thinking.

Yinger and Clark (1981) believe that reflection results written down are more powerful than reporting them orally.

Diaries, portfolios audio records, videos, blogs, wikis, multimedia projects, forums and chat, picture albums, social networks….

Concluding:What ideas you are going to try?What was the most important idea for you?