Reflective learning

During todays lecture we looked at some of the theorists who came up with their own ideas on what they individually believe are the stages of reflective learning are. We also looked at Bubbl.us and looked at how to brainstorm by making mind maps. After this lesson I thought it was necessary to research what it means to be a reflective learning and make my own mind map of the key terms relating to this. I read what Kolb and Deweys theories are to help with gaining a better understanding of what it means to be reflective learner.

Being a reflective learner means one is able to think by themselves on information they have been given. By thinking about information that’s been given to you, you are able to gain a better understanding and knowledge on it. The information shared may be stored so that you are able to review, analyse and then evaluate the information. You can then evaluate your own thoughts by identifying the positives and the negatives and your own opinions on why you think this. You are able to explore your learning further by finding out other information you wish to find out and by doing this you gain a better understanding of the information so you will find it easier to remember it. By storing the information through reflective this information will always be there so you can go back and review the information when you wish to. Also by doing this you can improve on what you learnt and change your opinions and views if needed and you may discuss why you chose to do this.

Both Dewey and Kolb both came up with their own ideas on what it means to be a reflective learner and the different stages there are. Dewey believes that there are five stages whereas Kolb makes up the learning cycle that consists of four stages. After looking at the two theorists it can be seen that they both explain reflective thinking through stages but it seems a lot easier to understand Kolbs ideas other than Dewey's.

Here is the mind map I developed showing what it means to be a reflective learner.

Here is a video from YouTube, Explaining what the purpose of reflective practice is and why we use it.




Boud, D. et al (eds.) (1985). Reflection. Turning experience into learning, London: Kogan.  - 170 pages, a good collection of readings which examine the nature of reflection. The early chapters make particular use of Dewey and Kolb.

Creating a story using photographs.

During our last lecture we were given the task to create a story by using seven photos. We talked as a group on what would make a good story and we shared ideas on what we would like to do and why we chose this topic. I found this quite difficult to think of a topic to do my story on as I was thinking about it too much. I learnt that the story needs to have an introduction, plot, themes, conclusion and then it needs to be edited to make the story perfect. I have decided that I am going to try a few ideas that I think could be useful to make a good story. After trying a few different ideas I will then decide on which idea I think will make the best story and I will put it together as my own.

Whilst then being home over Christmas I decided that it was a very good idea to do my story on the Christmas holiday as this is a time of year where families come together and celebrate by giving and receiving presents, having a family Christmas and new year dinners and just simply enjoying the comfort, love and happiness of being around friends and family at this special time of year.