Interview mit Prof. Dr. Jennifer A. Moon

Summary

In this discussion, Jenny explores the concept of reflective learning, emphasizing its importance in personal and professional growth. She explains how reflection helps individuals reorganize and reassess what they already know, enhancing independent judgment. Reflective learning allows individuals to analyze uncertain or complex knowledge, involving both cognitive and emotional dimensions. Jenny highlights the distinction between superficial reflection, which is descriptive, and deep reflection, which is more analytical and self-examining. She underscores the significance of developing sophisticated thinking skills for effective reflection, ultimately fostering better decision-making and learning outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reflective learning involves reorganizing what we already know, often referred to as 'cognitive housekeeping.'
• 😀 Reflection is not about simply thinking; it’s about reconsidering and reworking existing knowledge.
• 😀 Reflective learning addresses uncertain or poorly structured knowledge, which helps make sense of complex issues.
• 😀 Emotion plays a significant role in reflection—affecting both the process of reflection and the content being reflected upon.
• 😀 Reflection is a process that can be deliberate or spontaneous, occurring during structured thinking or casual moments of contemplation.
• 😀 Reflective learning builds towards independent judgment, especially important in professional contexts.
• 😀 Reflective learning helps assess the quality of our knowledge and fosters confidence in decision-making.
• 😀 There is a distinction between superficial reflection (descriptive) and deep reflection (fundamental and self-examining).
• 😀 Deep reflection requires advanced thinking skills, considering multiple viewpoints and connecting experiences.
• 😀 Reflective writing in an academic context requires a brief description of the subject being reflected upon, influencing the depth of reflection.

Q & A

What is reflective learning?

Reflective learning involves reviewing and reorganizing what we already know, a process referred to as 'cognitive housekeeping.' It is about reworking existing knowledge rather than acquiring new information.

What does 'cognitive housekeeping' mean in the context of reflective learning?

'Cognitive housekeeping' refers to the process of tidying up and reordering what we already know. It's a way of rethinking and reorganizing existing knowledge to enhance understanding and clarity.

How does reflective learning relate to emotions?

Emotion plays a significant role in reflection. It can influence what we reflect on, how we reflect, and the outcomes of reflection. Emotions can also inhibit or deepen our reflective processes.

Why is reflective learning important in academic contexts?

In academic settings, reflective learning is important because it helps students assess their understanding, refine their knowledge, and build the ability to make independent judgments, which are crucial for personal and professional development.

How does reflective learning help in the development of independent judgment?

Reflective learning builds the confidence to assess and evaluate one’s knowledge, allowing individuals to make independent judgments. This is essential for professionals, as they must be able to make informed decisions based on their reflections and experiences.

What is the difference between superficial and deep reflection?

Superficial reflection is descriptive and does not engage deeply with the topic, while deep reflection is more fundamental and explores the topic from multiple viewpoints. Deep reflection also relates to prior experiences and examines itself in a more reflexive manner.

How does complexity play a role in reflective learning?

As learners progress in their thinking, the complexity of their reflection increases. Reflection on complex issues requires deeper analysis and the ability to consider different perspectives, leading to a more sophisticated understanding of the subject matter.

How does reflective learning contribute to professional development?

Reflective learning helps individuals refine their thinking, build critical thinking skills, and develop the ability to make well-rounded, independent judgments. This is crucial for professional growth and decision-making in any field.

What role does uncertainty play in reflective learning?

Uncertainty is often a key element in reflective learning, as it arises when knowledge is ill-structured or unclear. Reflection helps learners navigate these uncertainties by reworking their understanding and considering alternative viewpoints.

What impact does the external audience (e.g., tutors or peers) have on reflective writing?

The knowledge that someone else will review the reflection can influence what and how a person reflects. While the reflection may not always represent what truly happened, the process of writing it down forces the individual to engage deeply with the topic.