Donald Schön

Definition

Donald Schön was an influential American philosopher and educator known for his work on reflective practice, which emphasizes the importance of reflection in professional learning and development. His ideas advocate for practitioners to engage in thoughtful consideration of their experiences to improve their skills and understanding, connecting deeply with the concept of reflective teaching practices where educators analyze their teaching methods and outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schön introduced the idea of 'reflection-on-action' and 'reflection-in-action', highlighting the difference between reflecting after an event and thinking critically during the process.
2. His work suggests that reflection is essential for continuous professional development, encouraging educators to adapt and refine their teaching strategies based on their reflections.
3. Schön's theories have significantly influenced teacher education programs, promoting the incorporation of reflective practices into the curriculum.
4. He argued that effective practitioners need to be able to navigate complex situations by reflecting on their experiences, thus fostering deeper learning.
5. Schön's concepts have been widely applied beyond education, impacting fields such as management, healthcare, and social work, where reflective practice is valued.

Review Questions

• How does Donald Schön's concept of reflective practice enhance the effectiveness of teaching?
  • Donald Schön's concept of reflective practice enhances teaching effectiveness by encouraging educators to think critically about their teaching methods and student interactions. By reflecting on their experiences, teachers can identify areas for improvement, adapt their approaches in real-time, and make informed decisions that cater to their students' needs. This continuous cycle of reflection fosters a deeper understanding of the teaching process, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes.
• In what ways do Schön's ideas on reflection differ from traditional models of teaching evaluation?
  • Schön's ideas on reflection differ from traditional evaluation models by emphasizing ongoing, real-time reflection rather than solely focusing on post-lesson evaluations. Traditional models often rely on standardized assessments or external evaluations, whereas Schön promotes a more personalized approach where educators reflect on their own practices during and after lessons. This shift encourages adaptability and responsiveness to students' needs instead of relying solely on predetermined criteria.
• Evaluate the impact of Donald Schön's theories on current educational practices regarding teacher professional development.
  • Donald Schön's theories have significantly shaped current educational practices by embedding reflective practice into teacher professional development programs. This focus has led to more dynamic and interactive training methods that empower educators to actively engage with their teaching experiences. As a result, professional development now prioritizes self-reflection, collaborative learning among teachers, and continuous improvement, creating a culture where educators are lifelong learners committed to refining their practice for better student outcomes.

Related terms

Reflective Practice: A method where individuals think critically about their actions and experiences to enhance learning and improve future performance.

Double Loop Learning: A concept introduced by Schön that involves not just correcting errors but also questioning and altering underlying assumptions and beliefs.

Experiential Learning: A learning theory that emphasizes learning through experience, advocating for the idea that knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.