Reflecting on reflection

PCGTHE core session today. It was good to see everyone, but as usual it had that 'one step forward, two steps back' effect on me.

We discussed reflection at length - in particular the use of various models for reflection. Oh no - I've been doing it all wrong! Well actually I think I've been using the key components and managing to achieve a fair depth of reflection albeit accidentally.

For the portfolio it will be necessary to both choose and argue the case for my choice of a particular model.

Interestingly it seems that specific models are quite embedded in the practice of some of the other schools - e.g. School of Health uses Gibbs Model of Reflection (1988) - in fact this also features in the NUPAD area for personal development. Weird because we do reflection in the portfolios on MKT1002 but have not given the students any theoretical model to follow.

So here's Gibbs' model - looks very straightforward and would fit well with what I've been doing organically.

Other models to compare with seem to be Johns' Model of Reflection (1994), Kolb's Learning Cycle (1984) and Atkins & Murphy's Model of Reflection (1994), Greenaway's Do-Plan-Review, Baud's Model and Schon's Reflection-in-action and Reflection-on-action.

The other key message today in this area was something that I already realised but have not done yet - basically the reflection won't get good grades without direct reference to the academic theory. This I will need to reverse engineer as I know I can't commit to starting my reading until May at the earliest.

We also had a look at some portfolio exemplars - what a variety! It was reassuring actually. The key thing I derived from this was the importance of very clear signposting of content. I'll have to pay even more attention to this with the e-portfolio. With a physical file, you start at one end and work your way to the back. How can I make sure my reader visits every page I want them to... or does that matter - do they navigate using quick links to the assessment items? Food for thought. Di has also given my name to some contacts in the School of Health to talk about E-Portfolios.... so I'd better make it good.