LEARNING BY THINKING: HOW REFLECTION IMPROVES PERFORMANCE
Our experiences are not unrelated and isolated. Although many of us do not think in this way, our experiences offer us a lot of opportunities for growth. In fact, it is of utmost importance to reflect on our experiences—whether they are good or bad. By linking our experiences and finding meaning in them, we can perform better in any field. Writing is a good way of reflecting on something, and that is why teachers often give students writing assignments. Students who find themselves overwhelmed can get help from writing services such as PapersOwl. Reflection enables us to understand things we can not fathom. And reflection works best when you are alone. Students also learn better when they share their thinking with others.
Valuing reflection
To get the best out of reflection, students must be engaged in the process. They should try to make meanings out of their experiences. Students are taught to be not only the consumers but also the producers of knowledge. The quality of education in our time may be different, but the current system of education still requires the skill of writing. And every writer needs reflection. Teachers should try to assist the students in the process of making meanings. Teachers should act as facilitators and help students move in the right direction. But it is really sad that students are not often asked to reflect on what they learn. As a result, when students are asked to reflect on something, they don’t understand what they should do.
Making an environment for reflection
While some classrooms are noisy, others are quiet. You need to be in a calm and quiet place to reflect on something. Among other things, students should be taught how to talk and behave when others are paying attention to something. The whole point of reflection is to mentally wander and then make some sense out of the experience. Creative writing is a great way to do that.
How reflection works
When we are exposed to a stimulus for the first time, we learn very little. We actually learn when we reflect on that particular stimulus. It is because when we think about a stimulus, the mind solidifies the concept. The more we are exposed to something, the more familiar it becomes.
Each time we reflect on something, the neurons associated with that stimulus fire. From the neurons, spine-like tentacles known as dendrites grow outwards. Getting close to the neuron, the dendrites form a type of data connection. We can make sense of the complex information when the networks of neurons grow. When we reflect, our brain organizes what we have learnt.
The dual role of reflection
There is a paradox when it comes to improving performance. In order to have more impact and do something faster, we need to slow down and reflect on our actions. Although speed is important, it is dangerous to prioritize speed all the time. If we do so, finding time for reflection will not be easy. Very few of us realize how important reflection is. A learner will never achieve a high level of performance if he always learns and never stops. The action is not enough. We also need to pause and think. If we are always on the move and try to complete the next task, we will eventually lose interest in what we do. From time to time, we need to step back and observe what we have done. Reflection gives us insight and enables us to see things from a different perspective. Reflection also helps us make connections between actions and find better solutions to problems.
But do not reflect on everything
Reflection is really valuable when you use it to learn more and improve your performance. But if you learn only for the sake of learning and you do not have a goal, reflection may not improve your performance. Also, reflection is not about finding your faults and failures. Do not wait you make a mistake. You need to constantly observe all your successes and failures, and figure out how you can make progress. And do not reflect only on the opportunity or the problem. Having a balanced view is the key.
It is also about self-reflection
To improve performance in anything, we also need to reflect on our own selves. This is a humbling practice, and it requires you to look at yourself honestly. You will need to be humble about your strengths and careful about your weaknesses. In spite of our numerous obligations, we must find a few minutes each day for self-reflection. In the beginning, it will feel like a passive exercise, but it is really rewarding. Great leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill figured it out that true leadership is possible only when the leader has control over himself.
To get the best out of self-reflection, you need to ask yourself some deliberate questions. Some of those questions may not be pleasant at all. You need to be honest with yourself and figure out what you are good at and what you need to work on.
Everybody, not just students, can practice and reap the benefits of reflection. This practice not only improves performance but also makes us think who we are and what we are supposed to do.