Learning through reflection is key to our development as ministers and practitioners. In Practical Theology, reflection is concerned with the integration of experience, theology and theory in fostering greater insight, awareness and understanding of our (and God’s) being and actions in context. It is this integration, or synthesis, that is foundational to our experiential learning and development as people and practitioners.
At different points in your portfolio, you are required to develop reflective diary/log/vlog* entries. At Master’s level, it is anticipated that you will be able to do this creatively and independently – whilst drawing on the wisdom of others e.g. your Practice Tutor (and reading) in the process of doing so. Students are advised to familiarise themselves with, use and adapt different reflective models, and to consider the nature of theological reflection in the process of their learning.
Given these points, it should be noted that this proforma is not prescribed, rather it is offered as a potential framework for those who may choose to use it. Reflective entries at M-Level are anticipated to be around 1000 words +/-10%. The emphasis should be on developing reflection, insight and critical action. Care should be taken therefore not to ‘over-describe’.
*If you elect to vlog, you might engage with the following process:
Create an accessible link for each individual entry;
Paste under a heading of Vlog Entry 1 onto a document entitled 'Reflective Vlog Entries';
Note the competences you wish to claim for this Vlog entry;
Include a bibliography in respect of any sources you have cited;
Repeat for any further entries using the same single file but under heading of Vlog Entry 2, or 3 as appropriate.
