Reflective Thinking: How to Practice Reflective Thinking

Reflective thinking is a form of critical thinking that reflects on experiences and learnings. This thinking process, popularized by U.S. philosopher John Dewey’s How We Think book, requires intense introspection and can improve decision-making and problem-solving processes. The slow, methodical process of reflective thinking can also help thinkers discover personal biases and develop self-awareness.

Reflective thought applies to various fields, allowing business, government, and academic leaders to ponder actions, consider the well-being of others, and more deeply understand personal decisions that inform their actions.

Develop reflective thinking skills by completing the learning as outlined by John Dewey in these five steps:

1. 1. Define the problem. Reflective thinking encourages strategic questions that address specific needs. If you clearly define the problem, it will be easier to consider possible solutions to fulfill needs.
2. 2. Analyze the problem. Reflective thinking skills prioritize deliberation over rushed answers. Think of previous steps taken to address the problem at hand. Identify the learnings from prior attempts and consider which actions were successful or not.
3. 3. Name the needs for the solution. After thinking about the intricacies of the problem, write down what core needs will be instrumental in finding a solution. You can accomplish this through journaling, meditation, or other contemplative exercises that focus on deliberate steps for success.
4. 4. Tease out possible solutions. With your solution requirements written or thought out, generate possible solutions. Walk yourself through the possible outcomes of your proposed solutions to see where they lead you and what further questions they may generate.
5. 5. Choose the best solution available. Finally, reflective thinking concludes with the choosing and enacting of a solution that is most logical and advantageous. Pursue this solution; the outcome will become the basis for a fresh learning cycle for future problems.

Consider the following applications of reflective thinking in personal and professional life:

1. 1. Communication: Partners in a relationship might use reflective thinking to navigate a challenging period. For example, one of the partners might use reflective thinking to evaluate shared experiences and consider their partner’s point of view. The thinker questions their self-awareness in these situations, their needs, and long-term hopes. This person then uses their reflection to better inform a future conversation with their partner.
2. 2. Management: Reflective thinking can come in handy in the workplace. For example, a manager overseeing an employee who is not excelling might use reflective thinking to reflect on the previous work ethic of the employee and their successes and shortcomings. The thinker questions their own managerial skills and how they can better serve this employee and the company. The manager also views their work ethic from the employee’s perspective.
3. 3. Education: A teacher might use reflective thinking to help students understand a challenging concept. The teacher can provide time for students to reflect on the lesson and the opportunity to write down their thoughts, feelings, and questions. This reflective process can help students understand and remember the concept.

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