Reflection in reading involves thinking about the text before, during, and after you read. Based on common definitions of reflection, two main types are often discussed: reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action.
Reflection is a crucial cognitive process that enhances comprehension, critical thinking, and retention when engaging with text. These different types primarily vary based on when the reflection takes place relative to the reading activity itself.
Reflection-in-Action While Reading
Reflection-in-action occurs during the reading process. It's a spontaneous, real-time adjustment of your reading strategy or understanding as you encounter new information or difficulties in the text. As the reference states, reflection-in-action is one of the two main types and differs from the other in terms of when it happens.
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Characteristics:
- Happens in the moment, while actively reading.
- Often involves reacting to immediate challenges or insights.
- Can be quick and almost subconscious.
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Examples in Reading:
- Pausing to re-read a confusing sentence or paragraph.
- Stopping to look up an unfamiliar word.
- Questioning an author's claim immediately upon reading it.
- Making connections between the current text and something you already know, right as you read it.
- Adjusting your reading speed based on the difficulty of the material.
Reflection-on-Action After Reading
Reflection-on-action takes place after the reading has occurred. This is a more deliberate and retrospective process where you think back on what you have read, how you read it, and what it means. The reference notes that reflection-on-action is another main type, distinct from reflection-in-action by when it occurs.
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Characteristics:
- Occurs after completing a section, a chapter, or the entire text.
- Involves reviewing, analyzing, and synthesizing information.
- Typically more structured and time-consuming than reflection-in-action.
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Examples in Reading:
- Writing a summary of the text.
- Discussing the text with others.
- Thinking about the main arguments or themes.
- Evaluating the author's perspective or credibility.
- Considering how the text changes your own understanding or perspective.
- Identifying parts of the text that were difficult or easy to understand and thinking about why.
Key Differences
The primary distinction between these types of reflection, as highlighted in the reference, is the timing.
| Feature | Reflection-in-Action | Reflection-on-Action |
|---|---|---|
| When | During reading | After reading |
| Activity | Real-time adjustment, reaction | Review, analysis, synthesis |
| Focus | Immediate understanding/issue | Overall meaning, evaluation, retention |
Why Reflect When Reading?
Engaging in both types of reflection significantly enhances the reading experience:
- Improved Comprehension: Reflecting helps clarify meaning and connect ideas.
- Enhanced Critical Thinking: Questioning and evaluating the text strengthens analytical skills.
- Better Retention: Thinking about the material after reading helps solidify memory.
- Deeper Engagement: Actively interacting with the text makes reading a more meaningful process.
By consciously practicing both reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action, readers can move beyond passive consumption of text to become active, critical, and effective learners.
