Reflective Practice

The process of reflecting on an action or involvement in an activity as part of continuous (lifelong) learning to improve an individual’s performance, behaviour, skills, knowledge or capability.

Examples can include reflecting on learning that might have taken place, working practices, problem solving issues, behaviours, skill requirements, knowledge requirements, achievements, barriers encountered in carrying out an activity, or effectiveness of decisions taken.

The practice of professional reflection will typically involve the recording (for example, in a journal, CPD log, audio or video clip) of the thoughts, ideas and outcomes of what was being reflected on, so as to provide insight, beneficial and meaningful development and improvement.