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Action Learning is inherently a reflective practice—it builds awareness and sharpens reflective skills. The entire Action Learning (AL) cycle revolves around reflection, making it a core part of becoming an effective facilitator.
At ALC, reflection has been a major focus as we refreshed our training programme and applied for ICF accreditation. Encouraging facilitators to develop a habit of reflection is key to their self development and learning.
Whether you're a new facilitator still stretching your skills or an experienced one operating on instinct, intentional reflection keeps your practice dynamic.
What Is Reflection and Reflective Practice?
Reflection seems simple, yet it runs deep—it shapes how we learn, what we focus on, and how we apply insights. To keep things manageable, let’s explore the essentials.
A Few Key Definitions
“Reflective practice is the ability to reflect on one's actions so as to engage in a process of continuous learning.” – Donald Schön
“Reflection is an important human activity in which people recapture their experience, think about it, mull it over and evaluate it. It is this working with experience that is important in learning.” – David Boud
“A form of mental processing with a purpose and/or anticipated outcome that is applied to relatively complex or unstructured ideas for which there is not an obvious solution.” – Jenny Moon
There are many reflective practice models. Here are a few that offer different perspectives.
Models of Reflective Practice
1. Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle
A structured process that helps break down experiences step by step:
Description: What happened?
Feelings: What were your reactions and emotions?
Evaluation: What was good or bad about the experience?
Analysis: What sense can you make of the situation?
Conclusions: What did you learn, both generally and personally?
Action Plan: What will you do differently next time?
2. Driscoll’s Model of Reflection
A straightforward method using three key questions:
What? Describe the experience.
So what? Reflect on its significance and impact.
Now what? Identify actions for future situations.
3. Moon’s Framework for Reflective Learning
This approach focuses on deepening learning through:
Noticing: Becoming aware of an experience.
Making Sense: Understanding what happened and why.
Making Meaning: Connecting the experience to prior knowledge.
Working with Meaning: Applying insights in other contexts.
Transformative Learning: Changing perspectives or approaches.
4. The ALC DEEPER Reflective model
Over the years of delivering Facilitator Training, we have been prompted to create our own model of reflective practice called the Deeper Reflective Model.
Describe: What occurred
Emotions: Consider how you felt
Explore: What went well, didn’t, and how you responded.
Probe: What motivations, agendas, beliefs or assumptions at play.
Emerging: What patterns, habits, insights or learning is surfacing.
As a RESULT: What you’ll do or change in future.
Why Reflection Matters
Reflection isn’t just about learning from difficulties—it’s also about celebrating successes and reinforcing what works well. Key benefits include;
Gaining perspective on experiences
Recognising patterns and habits in facilitation
Managing emotions and reactions effectively
Identifying personal triggers and biases
Thinking creatively about new ways of doing things.
How to Build a Reflective Practice
There’s no right or wrong way to reflect—what matters is finding an approach that works for you. Some options include:
Journaling – Keep a regular log of experiences and insights.
Blogging – Share reflections with a wider audience.
Lists & Tables – Track and compare key moments.
Voice Notes – Capture immediate reflections.
Visuals – Use doodles, mind maps, or diagrams to keep reflection in a creative space
Peer Discussions – Engage with mentors, supervisors or practice development groups.
Templates – Answer structured reflection questions.
Most people naturally reflect when facing a challenge—but the real growth happens when reflection becomes a regular habit. Get a dedicated journal, follow a structure or framework, it helps. As does having a clear purpose. And know that developing reflective writing skills takes time.
· Reflective practice is learning from experience
· Having a structure or framework to follow helps
· As does having a clear purpose for doing it
· It involves examining your thoughts and feelings
· Its about developing well grounded professional knowledge, skills and self awareness
· Reflective writing skills develop over time. It takes practice
· Its more usual for people to reflect having had a ‘sticky moment’, some difficulty or dilemma.
What’s Next for You?
What do you already do to reflect on your facilitation practice?
What might you start doing to refresh, refine, and deepen your skills?
There’s no single "right" way—but there is great value in doing something to stay agile, self-aware, and continuously improving.
Good luck