What is Reflexivity and its Connection to Reflective Learning
Written by Suzanne Conroy, M.Ed., CTI, ICF
One can highlight contrast by sharing similarities. Reflexive and reflective practice is powerful. They both require awareness of self. They both build knowledge, shape our thinking and being, and create emergent understanding and growth. They both serve as a tool for understanding the self better. Reflexive and reflection practices implore the leader to inquire and ask questions of self to understand.
Now for contrast. I ask my clients to use reflection to look back at themselves for understanding and learning. For example, if the leader struggles with a coworker – I bring them back to the frustrating situation and help them analyze and explore the exchange. This exploration often offers the leader new insights into themself, and my job is to invite them to move forward utilizing these new awarenesses.
Reflexivity adds a further layer of reflection by allowing one to acknowledge how biases might distort what they perceive to be happening and how they approach a situation. I ask leaders questions to challenge their assumptions, biases, judgements, and positionality in relation to their coworkers and how they see the world. That same example (the struggle with the coworker) is analyzed with a broader lens by examining the impact their perspective has on themselves, their coworkers, and the organization. Reflexive conversations challenge the client to think beyond self, potentially unlearn old ways of thinking, and explore alternative ways of thinking and engaging with the world. Reflexive learning is imperative in creating cultural understanding and social change. Philosopher and educator Paulo Freire believe and implore that all learning be positioned from an emancipatory lens (1).
This level of deep inquiry brings new awareness and knowledge to the client and the coach, often resulting in new ways of thinking and beliefs. Lyle (2017) bottom-lined the differences through this statement, “reflection is after, and individual whereas reflexivity is ongoing and relational” (p. vii). My job as a coach is to engage people in active participation in their own story and help them understand others.
Reflexivity and reflective learning must be a part of our commitment.
Both bring our ever-evolving authentic selves to the forefront.
Reach out to Suzanne to harness your learning opportunities by integrating reflective and reflexive practices into your workplace.
905.975.4302
suzanne@liveitleadership.com
Resource
(1), (2). Lyle, E. (2017). Introduction. Of books, barns, and boardrooms: Exploring praxis through reflexive inquiry. (pp.vii–xii). Sense Publishers. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=nlebk&AN=1594187&custid=s7439054
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