A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Brookfields Reflective Model

The best way to learn from any mistake or event is self-reflection. For this, there are many reflective models that everyone can use to learn and improve. In this blog, you will learn about Brookfield's reflective model in depth. Moreover, you will learn about the various types of lenses that will help you understand the concept of reflection more clearly! So, let's not waste more time; dive into this informative blog to understand this method.

What Is the Brookfields Reflective Model

Before discussing what the Brookfields reflective model is, first, we should know about its developer, Stephen Brookfield, born in Liverpool, England, who initiated his teaching career in 1970. He has worked in multiple countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. He is an education specialist, he created a self improvement model which is known as Brookfield's reflective model. It is a learning technique for teachers. But how is it different from the other reflection models? The speciality of this method is that it involves observing and reflecting on one's own experience. Moreover, it includes student's perspectives, which helps in better learning.

Now that we know its developer, it's time to learn about the Brookfield reflective model in detail, including  brookfields 4 lenses. It is a technique that aids teachers to reflect on their teaching methods, which improves their skills and assists in professional development. It is essential for teachers to reflect on their teaching. So, they can teach the concepts more effectively. Moreover, they can enhance their approach to evaluating, planning for tests, and designing or creating assessments. Thus, lets understand this model by learning about brookfield's four lenses.

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Brookfield's Model of Reflection: Four Lenses

According to Brookfield, reflection should be done on the basis of four different lenses, which he named the Brookfield lenses of reflection. Each lens has a different perspective, and all together will help you engage in the reflective practice for teaching. 

The Autobiographical Reflection

It is the first lens out of the four Brookfield lenses. This lens focuses on an individual's personal experience. In it, you will reflect on your personal experiences, perspectives, and assumptions. It is done to encourage self-awareness by investigating the impacts of your background, beliefs, and emotions on your actions.

Questions you can ask while using this approach:  

• What are my past experiences from this situation?
• What is the impact of my personal beliefs on the actions I take?
• What are my assumptions related to the situation?

The Lens of Student's Eyes

As mentioned above, this reflection is different from the regular reflective models. In this model, it is essential to consider and understand the student's perspective. Analyzing the student's experience can assist you in identifying if there's a need to change your teaching approach.

Questions you can ask while using this approach:

• What should I learn from the student's feedback?
• How do I incorporate this feedback?
• What might they need from me in this situation?

The Colleague's Experiences 

Out of the brookfield 4 lenses, this one states that taking feedback and discussions with your peers or colleagues is very essential. Thus, taking feedback from your peers can help you understand the perspectives of your colleagues and how they react to certain situations. It will also boost your confidence as you will get to know that you are not the only one making mistakes.

Questions you should ask while using this approach: 

• What are the views of my colleagues about this situation?
• What do they think about my actions?
• What suggestions have they shared?

The Theoretical Literature Lens

Theories aid teachers in understanding and help them gain insights into that situation. According to Brookfield, a teacher should always be curious to learn more. While engaging with theories, try to relate all the other three lessons with them. Moreover, it will help you identify how you can apply your knowledge in real life.

Questions you should ask while using this approach:

• What theories are related to my situation?
• How can these theories support or help in my situation?
• What professional guidelines should I apply?

So, these were the brookfields lenses of reflection. However, if you still have any doubt about this model, you can seek assignment help UK. They have experts who can help you understand this model better.

Pros and Cons of Brookfield's Reflective Model

Brookfield's reflective model is a very useful tool for teachers to improve their teaching styles. However, every model has two sides, pros and cons. In this section, we are going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages Brookfield's reflective model.

Pros of the Brookfield Reflective Model

Brookfield's reflective model is a very useful tool for teachers to improve their teaching styles. However, every model has two sides, pros and cons. In this section, we are going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Brookfield's reflective model.

Foster Professional Growth

Using this model and its lenses is challenging, but you can learn it by reading the brookfield's reflective model examples. By reading it, teachers can have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Thus, this leads to improvement in their teaching and professional growth.

Scope for Innovation

Always note down the experience after a lesson. Whether it is positive or negative, jot it down. So, if the experience was negative, you can resolve the issue by applying different techniques. So, you can innovate your teaching style.

Facilitates Ways to Teaching

When you use Brookfield's 4 lenses, it will ensure a positive review from every student. Moreover, students will have a better understanding of what is being taught in class. In addition, you can identify which teaching style is more effective for students.

Elevates Student-Teacher Relationship

A good teacher has a great bond with their students. Using this reflective practice, you can understand your students better. Thus, it will enhance and boost your relationship with them.

So, these were the advantages of the reflective model. Now, let's jump to the next section and know the disadvantages of this model.

Cons of Brookfield's Model of Reflection

After discussing the brookfield's critical lenses and pros of this model. Now its time to discuss the coms of this model, So, let's discuss them now.

Difficulty in Understanding Process

The process of identifying your mistakes is not as smooth as it seems; you need critical thinking and problem-solving skills. So, it can be quite challenging for some teachers.

Lead to Confusion for Aspect Reflection

The method causes confusion about which point or aspect you should focus on to reflect on. You have to approach every situation with different methods to use in a specific situation, which may lead to confusion among some teachers.

Time-Consuming

It is a very effective technique, but it is also a time-consuming process. Incorporating feedback, changing the process of teaching, identifying your mistakes, and more can take time if you are not aware of them since your initial stage of teaching.

So, these were the advantages and disadvantages of Brook's reflective model. Hopefully, you might have understood them well. If you still have any doubt, you can search for brookfield reflective model example, it can help you in understanding it more clearly. So, now it's time to move to the next section, where we are going to read about the alternative of Brook's reflective model.

Substitutes of Brookfields of Reflective Model 

As you know, one approach is not applicable to everyone. So, in this section, we are going to discuss the alternative of Brookfield's reflective model that might suit you. Thus, below are some reflective models that you can use to analyze yourself.

Driscoll Reflective Model

John Driscoll developed the Driscoll Reflective Model in 1994, which was later updated in 2004 and 2007. It is one of the most effective reflective models. Moreover, it is simpler than the other models. This model includes 3 questions: What? So What? and Now What? Through this model, Driscoll has used these questions to link them with the experiential learning cycle. Thus, by finding the answers to these questions, you can analyze your experience and gain insights from them.

Rolfe Reflective Model

The Rolfe reflective model was developed by Gary Rolfe, Dawn Freshwater, and Melanie Jasper. The primary aim of this model is to aid teachers in reflecting on their experiences, actions, and practices according to it. This model works as a guide for teachers on how to reflect. You ask questions to describe an event, analyze the problem, and plan for future possibilities. So, with the help of this model, you can gain new insight into your teaching methods.

Gibbs Reflective Model

In the Gibbs reflective model, you have to investigate the feelings of individuals. Moreover, you should understand the impacts of the situation and reflect on your experiences. In addition, you use questions at each stage to analyze and gain insights into your teaching methods. However, this method does not help in solving the roots of the problem.

Thus, these are the substitutes of the Brookfield model of reflection. You can use these, according to your suitability.

Still Confused Over Brookfield's Reflective Model? Try Us!

Hopefully, this blog has helped you in understanding Brookfield's reflective model and 4 types of lenses. However, if you still have confusion about this model, you can get one-on-one assistance; you can get assignment help in the UK from our experts. Our professionals have experience of more than a decade in providing top-quality services. Moreover, we at Assignment Desk provide you free tools such as a plagiarism checker UK and a paraphrasing tool, which will ensure you submit top-notch academic work. So, what are you waiting for? Contact our experts and kick out the stress of finishing your academic task.