Reflection

Reflecting, or exploring the meaning of experiences and the consequences of the meanings for future action, has always been essential in the development of expertise. Reflection and the promotion of reflective techniques are becoming more important in engineering education because of the expanding need for diverse, adaptive, broad-thinking, and nimble engineering experts who can respond to the ever-increasing challenges that society faces.

Diverging meanings

Meaning refers to the specific understanding(s) of the experience that results from using different lenses to interpret features of the experience. The meaning of experiences can be interpreted differently for different people.

Multiple Lenses

Lens refers to the knowledge that is being used to interpret or make meaning of specific features of an experience (e.g., learning lens, skills lens, identity lens).

Looking back to plan forward

Reflection is not simply about examining and thinking deeply about an experience, but also using that information to look forward, to plan the future. Action refers to steps taken as a result of the meaning that has been ascribed to the experience.

Isolating an Experience

An experience can be understood as engagement with the world, roughly circumscribed by time. It is important when looking back at, remembering, and examining experiences, to focus on one experience or a small piece of our experiences.