Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development

′Reflective practice and writing can change lives. It changed mine. The very act of writing down the problem, clarifying, thinking, working through the issues, being forced to commit, is powerful. Read…and learn more′ -Kenneth C. Calman, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, University of Durham

′The book gives me fresh ideas for my teaching, solid theoretical frameworks for understanding it, infused commitment to the method, and grateful pride to be a member of this band of the searchers for truth and joy through writing′ -Rita Charon, Program in Narrative Medicine, Columbia University, New York

In this fully updated and revised third edition, the author draws on her considerable experience and extensive research to demonstrate a creative dynamic mode of reflection and reflexivity. Using expressive and explorative writing combined with in-depth group work/mentoring alongside appropriate focused research, it enables sensitive and critical examinations of practice.

The author offers a searching and thorough approach which increases student and professional motivation, satisfaction, and deep levels of learning. She clearly explains the use of reflection; reflexivity; narrative; metaphor; complexity, and the literary and artistic methods used are firmly grounded in educational theory and pedagogical principles.

New to this edition:

• A new chapter presenting different ways of undertaking and facilitating reflective practice
• Further international coverage, including material from Australia, New Zealand and USA

This edition also includes a ′how to use this book′ section; an annotated glossary explaining key terms; end of chapter activities and exercises plus suggested further reading. It also has an accompanying website which includes discussion and workshop exercises; a glossary; and online readings.

The methods are appropriate to, and used worldwide by, student professionals and professionals undertaking continuing professional development, across education; medicine and healthcare; clinical psychology; nursing; therapy; social work; counseling; business management.

A password-protected Instructor Teaching Site and an open-access Student Study Site are available for this book at http://www.uk.sagepub.com/bolton/

Dr Gillie Bolton is an international authority on writing and author of a long publication list including nine books (one in 4^th Edition), academic papers (many in top ranking journals), as well as professional articles, poetry, and for a lay readership.  She has peer-reviewed for many journals and  has been a long serving editor of an academic and two professional journals.