Roxsie,
Good point and so true.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It often saves time and money by getting it right the first time.
Lindsey,
Well analyzed in terms of how to approach reflective thinking. You make a very good point in your last sentence in that through reflective thinking we often do come up with a completely different solution to our problem.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It allows you time to assess what worked and what didn't or perhaps what could have worked better. It allows you to come up with new ideas or possible solutions to the issue. It may also shed light onto a completely different aspect of the issue or inspire you to take on an entirely new one.
Kenneth,
The key is for them to consider where they have been with the day's learning effort and reflect on how it impacts both head and heart. Emotional investment is a big part of how we see the world around us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kenneth,
The key is for them to consider where they have been with the day's learning effort and reflect on how it impacts both head and heart. Emotional investment is a big part of how we see the world around us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Heart often does rule over head but we have to creatively search out ways to engage the head. Each day after production, I have students reflect and discuss (seperately) the results of their work and then the reasons for the results in order for them to begin to acknowledge and understand that the decisions they make and actions they take have results. For better or worse.
Beth,
Thank you for these good points about how we humans take the paths that we do. There are so many different factors that influence us and how we proceed through life. We need to reflect on our possible choices and then move forward with our life directing decisions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, I agree "we need to learn from our mistakes" however one can be highly intellegent and be able to reason, be reflective, and have the ability for critical thought, but lack the emotional intellegence to stop repeating mistakes. When one is ready to change and move forward one will finally listen or understand.
I do think that our heart rules over the head.
In handling perhaps similar problems, think back as to what steps you took and then make a determination as to how well that worked. If it only succeeded in part, it's time to further assess the situation to find a workable solution.
Rosemary,
Like your definition of reflective thinking. It illustrates how we need to learn from our experiences and continue to grow in our abilities as problem solvers. To do so will help us to become more valuable in our career areas.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Reflective thinking allows me to look back on what happened during my day as if I had the opportunity for a "do over". If I could do the day over what would I change? What went well, what did not? What would I do differently and how what I do it? It allows me to invent new solutions to situations and add to my tool bag for next time.
Rhodri,
Like your example of fly fishing and how it can apply to reflective thinking. You make a very good point about how the thinker needs to reflect on the problem and then propose a solution. By reflecting you can spend time figuring out what is hatching and then select a fly that matches that hatch. Otherwise you are just exercising your arm with each cast because the fish are not biting on what you are sending their way. I wish you continued success in both teaching and fishing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Elizabeth,
Well put as the medical field is one requiring critical thinking and problem solving expertise. The more reflective thinking that can be done in relation to working toward a solution the more accurately the solution will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I loved the fly fishing guide's example of reflective thinking, and I believe it has broad application to problem-solving in general. I enjoy fly fishing, and have seen the benefits of reflective thinking for this activity, as well as the frustration that ensues from ignoring it. When you take the time to reflect on the problem, looking at it from different perspectives, you often get multiple solutions to choose from. Then you can weigh the possibilities and choose the best one, rather than stumbling on whatever solution presents itself first.
Successful evaluation of the results of your interventions as a health care or other service provider is an essential step in delivery of what the consumer wants/needs. Thorough evaluation requires reflective thinking. every situation has unique characteristics and possibilities, doing the routine interventions is only the start of creative thinking and problem solving.
Jayne,
You are helping your students to think beyond just the skill aspect of their chosen profession. You are asking them to think about the human behind the draw and what are the implications of the testing that will be done on the blood. This is such an important holistic approach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use a "reflective" exercise with my introduction to my Phlebotomy class. I have my students think about their last blood test & all the good and bad things that occurred. Including the Tech, the procedure itself, and eveything included in their visit. The purpose of this reflection is not to apply the "bad" and improve on the "good". As Phlebotomists their professionalism is as important as their technical ability.
Jennifer,
You raise a good point about the need to stop, think, and then plan when it comes to critical thinking. Raising in one's mind options to solve a problem is as important as the actual solving of the problem because this process can reduces errors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Reflecting on the problem and possible solution/solutions before determining a definite solution will allows for perspective. Am I mindful of the the solution I may see as the best?
