Journal Club - Session 1

In this Journal Club, we will be reviewing the following paper:

Brookfield, S. (1998). Critically reflective practice. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 18(4), 197–205.

Article Summary

Brookfield argues that critical reflection is a key process through which educators become more effective, authentic, and self-aware. He encourages us to not only reflect on our practice, but to do so critically, by questioning the assumptions, both personal and institutional, that shape our teaching.

He introduces four ‘lenses’ through which we can view and reflect on our practice:

1. The autobiographical lens – Our own experiences as learners and educators
2. The students' eyes – How learners experience our teaching
3. Colleagues’ perceptions – Feedback and dialogue with peers
4. Theoretical literature – Drawing on research and theory to interrogate and deepen understanding

Brookfield suggests that by using these multiple lenses, we can identify blind spots, challenge our assumptions and make our teaching more inclusive, democratic and responsive.

Discussion prompts

When writing your forum post this week, consider the following reflective prompts:

• Which of Brookfield’s four lenses do you currently use in your own teaching and which are less familiar to you?
• Can you think of a moment in your teaching where looking through a different lens might have helped you see things differently?
• Brookfield talks about uncovering and questioning assumptions. What’s one assumption about teaching or learning you’ve started to question recently?
• How could critical reflection help you grow as a clinical educator?

Feel free to share a short personal example, a moment of insight, or a question that the article raised for you.

Interacting with others

Once you've posted your reflection, take time to read and comment on others’ posts. Here are some ways to engage:

• Affirm something a peer said that resonated with you
• Ask a follow-up question, such as “How did you respond to that challenge in practice?” or “Have you tried using student feedback as a lens?”
• Offer a resource - maybe a model, article, or idea that relates to their reflection

Brookfield reminds us that reflection is not just an academic exercise - it’s a tool for improving our practice and better serving our learners. This week is an opportunity to start developing your own critically reflective voice and begin building a reflective habit that will support you throughout the programme.

We look forward to reading your insights!