ABSTRACT

The general claim that reflective practice is better practice is complex and not amenable to simple proof, but may involve some of the following related benefits: • It involves professionals in actively constructing their self-understanding of

practice problems. • It increases awareness of self and of others. • It enables underpinning knowledge and values to be adapted in various practice

contexts. • It can be used to convert all manner of professional experiences into meaningful

learning. • It supports practitioners in making autonomous judgements in conditions of

uncertainty and values conflict. • It assists the transition from novice to more advanced levels of professional expertise. • It leads into meta-reflection and critical perspectives of knowledge and practice. • It helps to sustain a commitment to self-directed and lifelong learning.