From triangle to spiral: Reflective practice in social work education, practice and research

Abstract

In recent years understanding of the role of reflective processes and the importance of reflective practice in social work education, practice and research has developed significantly. The context of these developments has been one of technical-rational responses to a growing recognition of complexity and uncertainty in professional and academic arenas and an associated marginalising of the 'self' in learning and practice. Drawing from my experiences as a social work practitioner, educator and researcher this paper seeks to explore contemporary understandings and applications of reflective practice, and in particular the role of anxiety, in professional practice. Exploration in the inter-connected settings of education, practice and research highlights the inextricable and essential partnerships between the academy and practice, theory and practice and practice and research which characterise professional social work education. The paper concludes by acknowledging the centrality of the self in the process of lifelong learning and the potentially enriching and dynamic relationships between the academy, the practice setting and research. This paper draws on material previously published in an article in the Journal of Social Work Practice, November 2000, Vol. 14, No. 2.