MindLab Reflective Blogs

https://pixabay.com/en/head-spiral-self-confidence-1588413/ I like structures and frameworks, particularly when communicating abstract concepts. Reflection, in one definition by Sandars 2009 is a metacognitive process, I don’t think one can get more abstract than that. However, reflection is a complex construct for which the literature does not provide a consensual definition (Nguyen). The lack of a common explicit understanding impedes my practical efforts to apply reflection to best effect.  Nguyen conducted a systematic review of the literature on reflection, and synthesised a consensus definition (below). The definition includes several layers, and the concept of self change is the endpoint. Nguyen 2014 According to Nguyen, the reflective process is different from just thinking , as it is aimed at my own understanding of the problem rather than just trying to solve it. Bring in and considering affect, and why I think or feel that

Since the term Teacher Inquiry was introduced in week 16 , accompanied by cyclical diagrams, I have been uncertain as to the definition and meaning of this concept. My background is scientific and medical.  I am familiar with medical research based on scientific method, and the concept of quality improvement cycles in the workplace.  Social sciences is a new domain for me, as is this reflective writing. The Creswell article on Educational Research, has in my mind, mapped the  'Teacher Inquiry' process to 'Research Project using scientific method' . Creswell Fig 1.2 the Research cycle has the same steps as the Teacher Inquiry cycle. Essentially these  cyclical processes are what I know as Quality Assurance cycles in my workplace, a medical laboratory, the purpose of which is incremental improvement. This seems the same as an experiential feedback cycle, the same as Kolbe. So just different terms for the same concepts. Another reference I have found useful in clari