Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development - Softcover

Reflective practice is probably the most important tool in the repertoire of any professional. It is a key way of dealing with all the problems for which there is no straightforward response. Gillie Bolton ‘s practical and illuminating book is the key resource for those who want to be more reflexive and build reflective writing into their own activities. She takes important but illusive ideas and shows clearly what they mean for making sense of one’s own practice. (Professor David Boud)

Getting students to apply their personal and professional experiences to practice is an essential part of continuing professional development. Bolton's 4th edition is a key text in the expanding literature on reflective practice for all practitioners. It remains the most contemporary, readable and relevant book for many subject areas. (Richard Race)

During a long, rich and varied career in nursing I have learnt that how we care, how we give of ourselves to others, begins and ends with understanding of who we are. In Reflective Practice, Gillie Bolton provides a torch that helps us to shine a light on our personal motivations, anxieties, needs and defences, giving us the insights we need to better care for the patients, families and carers that we serve. (Kate Billingham)

Reflection and reflexivity invite critical, sensitive examination of practice, exploration of principles, concepts and ideas, and development of thoughtful self-awareness.

The Fourth Edition of this bestselling book explains how expressive and explorative writing, combined with in-depth group work or mentoring, can widen perspectives and give clarity of values, roles, and responsibilities. Step-by-step methods are grounded in carefully explained theories and values, and key terms such as reflection, reflexivity, critical, narrative, metaphor, mindfulness and complexity are clarified.

New to this edition:

• a clear route through the essentials of reflective practice
• greater clarity and representation of theoretical models
• a strong focus on ethical values
• in-depth examples and case studies from a range of courses
• clear summarization of each chapter’s key contents
• updated ‘Read to Learn’ sections and extended glossary
• discussion of writing in different cultures
• new online content including videos.