The Challenges of Creating Critically Reflective Groups

Abstract

In this article the author reflects on her experiences in establishing an enabling climate in critically reflective groups. The author also addresses some particular challenges for educators and participants who are firmly committed to social justice values. The author outlines some embedded ways of thinking about how we make knowledge and how we make a sense of ourselves that can inhibit critical reflection. The author pinpoints five specific internalised cultures about “the expert,” “the manager,” “the evangelist,” “the victim,” and “the technician.” From an awareness of these, the author then suggests an orientation for enabling critical reflection based on the notion of “co-researching.”

Keywords:

• critical reflection
• critically reflective group culture
• social justice values
• establishing critical reflective climate