The following question is from The Reflective Journal by Barbara Bassot, Part 2, Theme 2.5 A structure for reflective writing
“Now try using Knott and Scragg’s (2013) structure for reflective writing. Focus on a concern you have at the moment in relation to your learning and development. Write something in response to each of the prompt questions. Once you have done this, again think about your response to this exercise (see the questions in the previous activity). Which of the two methods do you prefer? What are the reasons for your preference?”
Stage 1 – Reflection
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about ways to make meaningful contributions to the instructional design community – both here at Penn State and more broadly, as I think about attending professional development opportunities sponsored by other organizations.
Stage 2 – Analysis
What is happening here?
I guess I am questioning the value, knowledge, and gifts that I have to offer other professionals who share my professional interests.
What assumptions am I making?
I think that this question reveals a few assumptions. On the one hand, I am assuming that I have some sort of obligation – either perceived or real – to contribute to my professional community. There also seems to be an assumption that there is a “magic formula” or topic that will resonate with other designers and fill some professional void.
What does this show about my underlying beliefs about myself and my practice?
The fact that I am questioning what I have to offer may reveal some insecurities I have about myself as a professional. I feel that I have always – as a person and as a professional – looked outwardly to other examples of people in my role and measured myself against those external standards.
Stage 3 – Action
What action can I take?
Even though I struggle with this insecurity, intellectually I strongly believe that the world is a much richer place when we each offer our authentic selves to the world – not some version of ourselves that we feel “matches” standards set by other people. I think that I need to really spend some time reflecting (!) on the uniqueness that is me, and consider how that translates into an offering to other professionals.
How can I learn from what has happened?
I think that this reflection exercise is a great start. Sitting down and forcing myself to reflect and write about what is running through my mind is a very valuable exercise in that it encourages me to confront assumptions and beliefs that are a hindrance.
How would I respond if this situation occurred again?
I am really hoping that at times I encounter self-doubt, I can retreat to reflective practice to consider any limiting beliefs that may be getting in the way. My journey through this book and this blog is designed in the hopes that it will give me some more tools to reframe and reflect.
What does this experience tell me about my beliefs about myself and my practice?
On the one hand, this exercise revealed some insecurities. But it also illuminated one of my strengths which is a strong desire to reflect and grow from the experience. I love to think deeply about what is happening in my outer and inner worlds and reflect on the meaning that holds for personal growth. That is a practice that will serve me well in facing personal and professional challenges.
Bassot, B. (2016). The reflective journal. Palgrave Macmillan.
Knott, C., and Scragg, T. (2013). Reflective practice in social work, 3rd ed. London: Learning Matters/SAGE Publications, Ltd.