Donald Schön

Definition

Donald Schön was a prominent American philosopher and educator known for his work on reflective practice and learning in professional contexts. His ideas emphasize the importance of reflection in improving practice, particularly in fields like design and education, which resonates with peer review and constructive feedback methods as avenues for continuous improvement and learning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Schön's work has been influential in education and design, advocating that practitioners should engage in reflective thinking to enhance their skills.
2. He introduced the concepts of 'reflection-in-action' and 'reflection-on-action' to differentiate between immediate problem-solving during an activity and retrospective analysis after an event.
3. Schön emphasized that constructive feedback plays a crucial role in reflective practice, allowing individuals to gain insights and improve their professional capabilities.
4. His book 'The Reflective Practitioner' argues that professionals must not only master their technical skills but also develop reflective abilities to adapt to complex situations.
5. Schön's theories have shaped modern approaches to teacher education, emphasizing the need for educators to reflect on their teaching practices through peer collaboration and feedback.

Review Questions

• How does Donald Schön's concept of reflective practice contribute to the effectiveness of peer review methods?
  • Donald Schön's concept of reflective practice emphasizes the necessity for professionals to critically evaluate their actions, which directly enhances the effectiveness of peer review methods. By engaging in reflection, individuals can better understand their strengths and weaknesses, making them more receptive to constructive feedback from peers. This process creates a collaborative environment where learning is facilitated, leading to improved outcomes in both individual practices and group dynamics.
• Discuss the relationship between Schön's ideas on double loop learning and the process of receiving constructive feedback.
  • Schön's idea of double loop learning involves questioning not just the outcomes of actions but also the underlying assumptions that led to those actions. This framework is essential when receiving constructive feedback because it encourages individuals to go beyond surface-level reactions. By critically reflecting on the feedback received, one can identify deeper insights into their practices, leading to more significant changes in behavior and improved performance.
• Evaluate how Schön's theories have influenced contemporary educational practices regarding peer review and collaborative learning.
  • Schön's theories have significantly influenced contemporary educational practices by emphasizing the importance of reflective thinking in peer review and collaborative learning environments. His concepts encourage educators to foster a culture where feedback is not just given but actively engaged with by students. This approach leads to enhanced critical thinking skills and promotes a deeper understanding of material, as students learn from each other's experiences while reflecting on their own practices. Ultimately, this creates more resilient learners who are better equipped for real-world challenges.

Related terms

Reflective Practice: A process where professionals analyze their actions and experiences to improve future practice, often through self-reflection or peer feedback.

Double Loop Learning: A concept introduced by Schön that encourages individuals to question their underlying assumptions and beliefs in order to foster deeper learning and change.

Action Research: A participatory approach to research that involves cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting to improve practices within a community or organization.