Dr A James LCF October 2008

Introduction to the Reflective Discourse Unit

What?When?Where?How?Why?

Dr A James LCF October 2008

What do we mean by this?

A year long unit, in which you…

•Improve your skills of critical reflection and self appraisal•Think about professional, creative and career directions •Develop your ability to express your thoughts, ideas, decisions and conclusions in different styles and different places•Understand the processes of your learning - not just the products – to increase your potential and effectiveness for now and the future

Dr A James LCF October 2008

Discourse...?

communication of thought by words; talk; conversation: earnest and intelligent discourse.

(www.dictionary.com definition)

An impersonal term for a personal journey

Dr A James LCF October 2008

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this unit you will be able

to demonstrate: different approaches to learning within your specialism

through an engagement with reflective dialogue and critical learning;

personal strengths which have emerged through your progression in this year of study, to include a self-assessment of your skill level and future career plans;

professional and academic writing skills; evidence of engagement with the PPD principles

outlined in the Course Handbook.

Dr A James LCF October 2008

ASSESSMENT:

•Weekly online reflections

•2000-2500 word summary

The Reflective Discourse Wiki: http://reflectivediscourse.wikispaces.com

Where?

Dr A James LCF October 2008

“serious thought or consideration”

(The Oxford English Dictionary)

“By developing the ability to explore and be curious about our own experience and actions, we suddenly open up the possibilities of purposeful learning—derived not from books or experts, but from our work and our lives.

(Joy Amulya, What is Reflective Practice?)

Reflection...?

Dr A James LCF October 2008

What is reflection?

deep, critical, analytical thinking

… involves 360º consideration of experience and emotion

...can happen before, during, after or apart from an event

…may relate to any aspect of our lives – work, study, social, spiritual, family and so on

… helps us ask questions about who I am and where I am going

Dr A James LCF October 2008

“Reflection is turning a topic over in various aspects and in various lights so that nothing significant about it shall be overlooked – almost as one might turn a stone over to see what its hidden side is like or what is covered by it”

John Dewey, 1910:57

Take out the word “topic” and substitute yourself...

• What are you like, “under various aspects and various lights”?

• What is your “hidden side” – not dark or dangerous, but rather undiscovered?

• How do these relate to your

• own learning and performance• your achievements and areas to develop• Where you want to go and what you want to be?

Dr A James LCF October 2008

References

Amulya, J. What is Reflective Practice? Available on line at http://www.citeulike.org/group/2518/article/800536 )Brookfield, S. The Critical Incident Questionnaire. Available at http://www.stephenbrookfield.com/ Dewey, J (1910) How We Think. Boston MA. DC Heath.Visual Directions. Available at http://www.arts.ac.uk/cetl/visual-directions/