Abstract
Reflection including (1) individual reflection, (2) co-reflection, and (3) group reflection is a core element of our professional practice in social work. This explains why social workers need self-awareness in handling our intervention with our clients. Without reflection, our experience cannot be accumulated, categorized, and crystalized into practice wisdom. Without reflection we will not be able to check how and if social work values and purpose played out in our work. Without reflection, we cannot learn from frustrations and mistakes. Whenever we think that we are always right, reflection will allow us to question our assumptions and bring us back to being humble. Without this there will be nothing left.
Donlad Schön (2017), as a pioneer in reflective practice about professional practitioners, reminded us that reflection can be done at the end of the intervention, that is ‘reflection on practice’. In addition, we also need to do reflection in the process of professional intervention, that is ‘reflection in practice’ (Schön, 2010). However, reflection is a mindset, an attitude, and critical thinking process. It is difficult to teach, but the students can taste it by active learning with interaction and innovation. Often the best way is to model our professional and personal reflections to our students.
One of the active learning approaches is to use metaphors which provide similar and parallel structure for the students to think, talk, and act. We tried to use the metaphors of various mirrors and lenses to simulate reflection on social work practice. Students are encouraged to suggest their own ideas. At the end of the discussion, the 10 most popular metaphors were collected, as follows. Students also provide the reasons behind their choices. As this is relevant and important to our social work practice, not only locally but also globally. We share the 10 metaphors as follows:
#1. Magnifying glass: We need to look into the details of our professional practice, to examine what should be and can be done in a more effective, efficient, and humanistic manner. #2. Telescope: During the process of our practice, we need to look forward to see the vision which represents the ideal or the shared dream among our team members, clients, and other related stakeholders. #3. Microscope: Just like medical researcher, we need to dig deeper into the heart of our clients and the core issues of our society to see the causes of existing and emerging social problems. #4. One-way mirror: We need to learn from our supervisors, teachers, classmates and team members, just like what we do in the social work laboratory through the one-way mirror. Do we ask for and reflect on feedback from our clients and supervisors? #5. Double-sided mirror: This is the ordinary mirror we use every day. We need to be honest to this candid mirror which shows our shortcomings and assumptions. Don’t be arrogant; be humble and honest. #6. Myopia glasses: We need to read and review the intervention process with care. How have we used our social work values and purpose? What has informed our practice? What is the evidence we have drawn upon to guide the intervention process? #7. Astigmatism glasses: We need a clear focus, otherwise the whole professional intervention will be diluted and neglected. Are we conscious of accountabilities to the client, society, profession, organizations etc. How have we kept to the agreed purpose and scope of the intervention? How have we addressed power imbalances to encourage self-determination? #8. Endoscope: We need to go into the heart of our clients, the inner structure of our society, and the core causes of the social problems before we prescribe solutions or alternatives. This requires us to be reflective researchers and analysts. #9. Rearview mirror: We need to look back to the past and then we can get well-prepared for the future. The way we were could be the road ahead. Being reflective of our past helps us understand how history influences the present and future. It helps us understand what we can do differently but also what has and hasn’t worked in past. #10. Wide-angle lens: We cannot be ‘narrow minded’, we need to be genuinely open to different views and critical comments from various stakeholders. Taking a broad reflection on how there are different viewpoints, experiences, purpose, agendas, values, hopes, and feelings will allow us to better understand our context and how best to proceed with care and respect.
After adopting different angles and perspectives in conducting reflection, we shall be more open, critical, and multi-dimensional practitioners. Reflection in social work practice is not optional; it is a necessity, no matter the field of practice, whether it be micro or macro focus. Social work practice requires reflection to be a simultaneous and critical process (Fook and Gardner, 2007) to inform our actions and vice versa. As such reflection goes beyond social work intervention; it is essential to our research, education, and theoretical development as a profession.
International social work requires each of the 10 metaphors, especially at a time when we are living in a divided world and the globe is being further divided. Reflection will help us keep a bright heart, a fresh mind, and skilful hands so we can continue to make a contribution to our communities and humanity. So keep looking in the mirror and through the lens, no matter what.