ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we examine the benefits which teachers can gain from applying the concept of the ‘reflective practitioner’ as a means of evaluating and considering their own practice, and by helping their students use the same concept to reflect on their development as learners. Throughout this book, of course, we have been asking you to reflect on your own learning, on some of our ideas, and on your approach to teaching. Reflection is a natural part of human life but for professionals and students, structured reflection can provide a framework within which they can examine their strengths and weaknesses and identify strategies for improvement. In addition, professionals can use reflection as a bridge to help span what is often regarded as a chasm between the reality of their practice as teachers and the theoretical models and concepts put forward by academics who research education.
