Definition of Reflection

Although the concept of reflection as an intellectual activity has been recognised since ancient times, John Dewey is commonly credited as being its key originator. Dewey (1933 p 104) saw reflection to be a particular form of problem solving, which could be used to resolve particular issues. Dewey distinguished reflection from more general thinking, by suggesting reflective thought was underpinned by evidence. Reflective thinking, rather than being a random chain of thoughts, relied upon each thought carefully relating to its predecessor and successor. He saw reflection as a deliberative process, that can profoundly influence one’s experiences. Since Dewey, many authors have propose