VIII. 3. Working with texts. Reflective Practice

Read the text below and answer the questions.

Reflective practice plays a very important role in project evaluation. If we want to offer a simple definition of what reflective practice is, we might say that it is thinking about what we did, what we do, what we will do in the future and what we would do differently.  Consequently, reflective practice is linked to the idea of learning from experience, learning-by-doing.  Reflective practice is not identical with casual thinking. It is a conscious effort, a skill, and as such, it can be learnt and developed. How can this skill be developed ? What can be done to develop the critical and creative thinking skills that are necessary for reflective practice?

Neil Thompson, in his book, People Skills identifies six steps:

1. Read around the topic you are learning about. Get acquainted with different opinions.

2. Ask: ask other people in similar situation how they do things and solve problems.

3. Watch: watch your environment and the people around you.

4. Feel: pay attention to motions involved. Pay attention to negative emotions as well and try to deal with them.

5. Talk: share your views and have discussions with other people.

6. Think: think about your work, your project or your share of project work quite often. Value the time and effiort you invested.

Questions:

1. What is reflective practice?

2. Why is it especially suitable for evaluating projects? 

3. What is the difference between casual thinking and reflective practice?

4. How can we develop the critical and creative thinking skills?

5. Who is Neil Thompson?