A critical reflection is a process of examining and challenging our deeply-held assumptions about ourselves, our knowledge, and the world around us.
Understanding Critical Reflection
As defined by the provided reference, a Critical Reflection (also called a reflective essay) is a process of identifying, questioning, and assessing our deeply-held assumptions – about our knowledge, the way we perceive events and issues, our beliefs, feelings, and actions. It's more than just thinking about an experience; it involves actively digging deeper into why we think, feel, and act the way we do.
This process encourages us to:
- Identify: Recognize the underlying assumptions that shape our understanding and responses.
- Question: Challenge the validity and origin of these assumptions.
- Assess: Evaluate the implications and consequences of holding these assumptions, considering alternative perspectives.
Key Elements of Critical Reflection
Critical reflection delves into various aspects of our inner world and experiences:
- Knowledge: Examining the sources and certainty of what we believe to be true.
- Perceptions: Analyzing how we interpret events, people, and issues.
- Beliefs: Scrutinizing the core principles and values we hold.
- Feelings: Understanding the root causes and impact of our emotional responses.
- Actions: Reflecting on the motivations and effects of our behaviour.
Why Engage in Critical Reflection?
Engaging in critical reflection offers significant benefits:
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: Gaining a deeper understanding of your own biases, values, and motivations.
- Improved Decision-Making: Making more informed choices by questioning underlying assumptions.
- Greater Empathy: Better understanding others' perspectives by recognizing your own perceptual filters.
- Continuous Learning: Developing the ability to learn from experiences and adapt your thinking.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Fostering development by challenging limitations and exploring new possibilities.
Practicing Critical Reflection
Critical reflection can be practiced in various ways:
- Journaling: Writing down thoughts, experiences, and asking "why?" or "what if?" about them.
- Discussing with Others: Engaging in conversations that encourage different viewpoints and challenge your own.
- Seeking Feedback: Understanding how others perceive your actions or ideas.
- Analyzing Experiences: Systematically breaking down events to identify underlying assumptions that influenced your role or interpretation.
Critical Reflection vs. Simple Reflection
While simple reflection involves describing or thinking about an experience, critical reflection goes further:
| Feature | Simple Reflection | Critical Reflection |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | What happened? | Why did it happen? What assumptions shaped my view/role? |
| Depth | Descriptive, surface-level analysis | Analytical, questioning underlying beliefs/assumptions |
| Outcome | Awareness of event | Deeper understanding of self and context, potential change in perspective |
In essence, critical reflection transforms passive observation into active interrogation of our own mental models and assumptions.
