ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews issues in planning, theory, and reflection that set the stage for the framework and case studies that follow. In the last half-century, planning has developed a significant literature on theory and practice, supported by insights in the broader professional reflection literature. After exploring definitions of planning, the chapter addresses planning theory in the context of reflective practice and the literature on reflection and reflexivity. Sanyal et al. define four major planning ideas that matter: livability, territoriality, governance, and the subject of this book, professional reflection. Reflection supports single-loop learning, in which practice is refined by reflecting on what happened, and double-loop learning, which examines what happened with a critical focus on why questions, including the practitioner's assumptions and beliefs. Meaningful reflection requires a willingness to look at practice close-up and acknowledge missteps. Reflection may reveal and challenge assumptions, habits, biases, inequalities of power, and issues with personal behavior.
