FisherCritical2004
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DOCUMENT CITATION
Author:
Kath Fisher
Title:
Critical self-reflection: what is it and how do you do it? Source:
Unpublished lecture at The University of Sydney
2004
Critical self-reflection: what is it and how do you do it?
Kath Fisher
Southern Cross University, Lismore
April 2004
Introduction
Teaching the skills of critical thinking and critical reflection is essential for the development of critical citizens in any society. These are not straightforward skills and do not come naturally to the majority of people. The school system is not designed to develop skills of critical, independent thinking in its students, and our socialisation in learning to become (unquestioning) members of society rarely fosters a critical attitude. For most adults, it is not until they undertake some form of tertiary education or travel to other cultures that they become aware of perspectives other than those offered by their family, schooling, religion, workforce experiences and the media. In this paper I define reflection, examine the distinctive features of critical reflection, locating it theoretically and outlining the differences between critical thinking and critical reflection; distinguish between values, beliefs and assumptions; and outline some strategies and techniques for improving skills in critical reflection.
What is reflection?
The root of the word ‘reflection’ is the Latin reflectere. Flectere means ‘to bend’, so re-flectere increases the inflection—‘to bend back’, or to bend again or double-take.
The
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Copyright Regulations 1969
WARNING
This material has been reproduced and communicated to you by or on behalf of the University of Sydney pursuant to Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968 (the Act).
The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further reproduction or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act.
Do not remove this notice.
DOCUMENT CITATION
Author:
Kath Fisher
Title:
Critical self-reflection: what is it and how do you do it? Source:
Unpublished lecture at The University of Sydney
2004
Critical self-reflection: what is it and how do you do it?
Kath Fisher
Southern Cross University, Lismore
April 2004
Introduction
Teaching the skills of critical thinking and critical reflection is essential for the development of critical citizens in any society. These are not straightforward skills and do not come naturally to the majority of people. The school system is not designed to develop skills of critical, independent thinking in its students, and our socialisation in learning to become (unquestioning) members of society rarely fosters a critical attitude. For most adults, it is not until they undertake some form of tertiary education or travel to other cultures that they become aware of perspectives other than those offered by their family, schooling, religion, workforce experiences and the media. In this paper I define reflection, examine the distinctive features of critical reflection, locating it theoretically and outlining the differences between critical thinking and critical reflection; distinguish between values, beliefs and assumptions; and outline some strategies and techniques for improving skills in critical reflection.
What is reflection?
The root of the word ‘reflection’ is the Latin reflectere. Flectere means ‘to bend’, so re-flectere increases the inflection—‘to bend back’, or to bend again or double-take.
The
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