Reflection

Reflection

To learn from experiences, you must reflect on them. When you reflect, you explore an experience, which allows you to learn from it. The experience may be from any aspect of your practice (e.g., clinical, teaching, management, or research).

Reflection is an important skill to assist you to develop and grow through your professional life. It is a valuable tool that you can use throughout your career as you engage in lifelong learning. You may also be required to show evidence of reflection.

There are many models of reflection. The Physiotherapy Board currently suggests that you reflect using these three questions:

  1. What happened? What did you do?
  2. What did you learn from this experience?
    Could this have been handled differently?
    How did you influence the experience (e.g., through your behaviour, knowledge, thinking, or emotions)
  3. How did this experience influence your practice?

PNZ has published a reflection template for you to use which addresses these questions, as well as information about other models of reflection that you may find helpful. We have also published further information and guidance to help you develop your reflection skills.

Reflection can be private or shared. It can be carried out by yourself or with others. It is most effective as a learning tool when it is personal and honest. It is about reaching a better understanding, not about passing or failing, or worrying about being judged. It is inevitable that reflection that is comprehensive, honest, and performed regularly, will enhance your practice.

Reflective practice, and being a reflective practitioner, involves engaging in reflection in an ongoing way, and applying your resulting learning to improve your practice. As such, reflection features strongly through the Physiotherapy thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (available from the Physiotherapy Board ) and is an integral part of key competency 4 (Reflective practitioner and self-directed learner). Written reflective statements are also required for recertification audits by the Physiotherapy Board.

References used on this page.