6 Reflective Learning

In reflective learning activities, students consider what and how they have learned and how they will use that information in the future. Reflective learning plays a significant role in other instructional approaches, including case-based learning, problem-based learning, and experiential learning. It is appropriate for all disciplines, student levels, and course formats, including fully online, blended, and traditional classroom settings.

Design frameworks

There are many different frameworks for reflective learning. Select the following links to access some of the more commonly used approaches:

• Rolfe et al (2001): What? So what? Now what?
• Ash and Clayton (2009): DEAL
• Gibbs (1988): Gibbs’s model of reflection
• Eyler, Giles, and Schmidt (1996): Four Cs of reflection

Practice examples

Select the links below to learn more about reflective learning taking place at educational organizations and institutions:

• Faculty Focus: Three ideas for implementing learning reflection
• Lumen Learning: Reflective learning
• The Open University: Introducing reflective learning
• University of Waterloo: Critical reflection