ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basic meaning of critical reflection. It explains why critical reflection is important and some possible benefits of using it. The chapter shows how critical reflection might be used in practical terms. The learning climate provides a clear space for practitioners to examine their work in a non-threating way, so that they feel safe enough to challenge their own work. The learning climate focuses on how to help practitioners reflect for themselves – it enables people to learn how to reflect, rather than having other people’s reflections imposed. Claim about the benefits of critical reflection range from more personal or emotional benefits, to those which contribute to better workplaces and practice improvement. For example, practitioners often report feeling supported and able to overcome emotional blocks through reflecting on a difficult experience. Critical reflection can help a person shift their focus, and discover a new way of thinking and ways of doing things differently.
