Applying Critical Reflective Practice

This report explores the importance of critical reflective practice in personal and professional development. It discusses methods for self-assessment and analysis of skills, as well as the theoretical direction for research. The report also includes a reflexive practitioner storyboard.

Applying Critical
Reflective Practice

Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Part A...............................................................................................................................................3
Theoretical direction for research...........................................................................................4
References........................................................................................................................................5
Part B...............................................................................................................................................6
Research methodology...........................................................................................................6
References........................................................................................................................................8
Part C...............................................................................................................................................9
Reflexive practitioner storyboard...........................................................................................9
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................13

Introduction
For an individual to develop professionally it is important that self skills and
competencies are identified and analysed timely so that improvements can be made and new
skills can be acquired. In this report research is done so as to evaluate self skills through self
awareness and consciousness which can help in continuous learning and improving the current
set of skills so that overall personal and professional development can be achieved. Also it will
help the individual in becoming an efficient reflexive researcher so that work can be self
analysed and effective work can be done.
Part A
Aim of research: “To identify the ways through which personal skills can be assessed which can
help an individual in developing both personally and professionally.”
Objectives of research:
 To identify and assess self skills and competencies.
 To analyse the identified skills so that areas of improvement can be found.
 To achieve an overall personal and professional development.
Research questions:
 How can self skills and competencies be identified?
 What are the ways of analysing the skills so that areas of improvement can be found?
 How can an overall personal and professional development be achieved?
Literature Review
Identifying and assessing self skills and competencies
As per the views of Erika, 2013, in order to develop a career portfolio which matches the
skills and abilities of an individual it is important that self analysis is done which can help in
identifying these skills. SWOT analysis, Personal and professional development plan can be used
by a person for assessing these skills so that the strengths and weaknesses of a person can be
known and effective steps can be taken in minimising the weaknesses while taking the advantage
of strengths. It will also help the person in regularly reviewing the improvement in results so that
a continuous development can be achieved (Cho and Lee, 2017).

Analysis of self skills
Analysing self skills play an important role in the development of a person as they help in
evaluating personal abilities in doping a work with efficiency and effectiveness. It also helps in
making an individual confident about the work done by them so that they can deliver high
quality of work. Further it also helps in identifying the interest areas of an individual where they
can use their skills for further studies or in working in their preferred organisations. Various
ways can be used in analysing self skills of an individual like asking specific and relevant
questions so that improvement in knowledge can take place (Huang, 2016). Person can also
script down clear objectives that are to be achieved in a particular work so that these can be
assessed by the actual results achieved which can help in making improvements so that set goals
can be timely achieved. Developing personal grading system can also help in self evaluation by
grading the current skills so that the level of improvement required can be known.
Personal and professional development
As per the views of Sarah, 2018, professional development is related with acquiring new
skills and experience that help in building career of a person while personal development is
related with development of personal skills so that a person can become more responsible and
deal effectively with challenges. This can be done by forming a PPD plan through which the
skills that are to be developed can b identified along with the activities that are to be done and
time which is required in their development. It helps in overall development of a person so that
personal goals and objectives can be achieved (Ng, 2016).
Theoretical direction for research
From the above discussion it can be said that he research is conducted so that self analysis
can be done and self awareness can be generated regarding the skills of a person so that the areas
of improvement can be identified. It also help a person in developing as a reflexive researcher so
that work done can be analysed and the effectiveness of results that are achieved can be
ascertained. This help in making improvement in the work and results achieved so that career
and personal development of researcher can take place. This research can also help in
researching methods through which personal development can take place so that a person can
acquire better skills and improve in their career so that better career options can be explored
(Villa and Thousand, 2016).

References
Books and Journals
Cho, K.S. and Lee, J.M., 2017. Influence of smartphone addiction proneness of young children
on problematic behaviors and emotional intelligence: Mediating self-assessment effects
of parents using smartphones. Computers in Human Behavior, 66, pp.303-311.
Huang, S.C., 2016. Understanding learners’ self-assessment and self-feedback on their foreign
language speaking performance. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 41(6),
pp.803-820.
Ng, E.M., 2016. Fostering pre-service teachers' self-regulated learning through self-and peer
assessment of wiki projects. Computers & Education, 98, pp.180-191.
Villa, R. and Thousand, J., 2016. The Inclusive Education Checklist:: A Self-Assessment of Best
Practices. National Professional Resources, Inc./Dude Publishing.
Online
Erika .2013. Identify and assess personal skills [Online] Available through:
<https://citygirlcareer.com/how-to-identify-your-core-competencies/>
Sarah .2018. Managing personal and professional development [Online] Available through:
<https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/development/5-ways-manage-
professional-development/>

Part B
Research methodology
In order to investigate about a certain topic so that deep knowledge related to the topic can
be developed it is important that an appropriate research methodology is used which help in
acquiring data through appropriate sources. This helps in developing correct knowledge for the
researcher so that theories can be proved and new knowledge can be developed (Wain, 2017).
Various research methods can be used by researcher like auto-ethnographic practices, reflexive
dialogic action research, action research etc. so that self assessment can be done by the
researcher and self skills can be analysed which help in making effective improvements for
personal and professional development. This will also help in developing the 21st century
professional skills of researcher so that researcher can develop professionally (Açıkkalp, 2017).
Auto-ethnographic practices are related with qualitative research in which author uses self-
reflection and writing so that personal experience can be analysed by placing self within social
context. Reflexive dialogic action research is a theory which combines theory and practice
through change and reflection in an immediate problematic situation within a mutually
acceptable ethical framework. Action research is the one in which the researcher diagnose the
problem so that development of solution can be done based on the diagnosis. In this research the
researcher will use auto-ethnographic method of research so that self analysis can be done which
can help in developing self skills so that overall personal and professional development can be
achieved.
Gibbs’s reflection cycle can be used by the researcher so that self learning and
development can be achieved by the integration of theory and practice. This can be done by
applying the experience gained and lessons learned in past in practice so that difficult situations
can be effectively dealt with and continuous improvement can be done (Al-Zareer, Dincer and
Rosen, 2017). Various stages can be followed by the researcher to apply the Gibbs reflective
cycle effectively which includes: Description: It relates to describing the events that took place,
Feelings: It is considered with the reaction of researcher during the happening of events,
Evaluation: It relates with listing both good and bad points about the experience, Analysis: It
relates to analysing the feelings of researcher, Conclusions: It relates with concluding the
specific situation along with the responses of researcher, Personal action plan: In this the

researcher applies the learning practically in future so that similar situation can be effectively
dealt with. Thus, the application of Gibb’s learning cycle can help the researcher in learning
through experiences so that continuous learning can take place and the cycle can be practically
applied which help the researcher in improving their skills. It can also help in developing 21st
century skills that are essential in building an effective career like computer skills, effective
communication etc. so that better career development can take place (Sollund, 2017).
It is important that personal data is collected through various sources which can help in
knowing about the skills and talents of the researcher which can help in their effective
development. The data related to their skills can be collected from sources like learning
diagnostic personal data, self awareness diagnostic personal data, poetics and creative personal
data (Chik, 2018). The researcher can use learning diagnostic and self awareness
diagnostic ;personal data which can help in gaining information about the ability of researcher in
academics, mathematical ad problem solving skills, communication skills, confidence etc.
Learning style questionnaire, personality test etc. can be used by researcher so that detailed
information can be collected with respect to various attributes so that the skills and abilities of
researcher can be analysed. It can also help in identifying the areas where the performance of
researcher is better along with the weak areas. Through learning style questionnaire the
researcher can use a questionnaire to answer the questions regarding learning while personality
test and profiles can help in gaining knowledge about self personality relevant to workplace.
Research design is related with strategies used by researcher so that different components
of study can be integrated in a coherent and logical way so that the research problem can be
effectively addressed. In order to develop personally and professionally it is important that data
is collected through authentic sources so that they can be measured and analysed so that effective
results can be achieved (Hansen, 2018). Data collection is done by researcher through sources
like learning style questionnaire, personality test so that highly authentic and reliable data can be
achieved. Further the data is measured and analysed so that improvement in skills can be done
and learning can be enhanced through Gibb’s learning cycle so that effective development of
researcher can take place.

References
Books and Journals
Açıkkalp, E., 2017. Ecologic and sustainable objective thermodynamic evaluation of molten
carbonate fuel cell–supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle hybrid system. International
Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 42(9), pp.6272-6280.
Al-Zareer, M., Dincer, I. and Rosen, M.A., 2017. Modeling and performance assessment of a
new integrated gasification combined cycle with a water gas shift membrane reactor for
hydrogen production. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 103, pp.275-292.
Chik, A., 2018. Learner autonomy and digital practices. In Autonomy in language learning and
teaching (pp. 73-92). Palgrave Pivot, London.
Hansen, L.H., 2018. Doing relational research through roleplaying. In Relational Research and
Organisation Studies (pp. 117-141). Routledge.
Sollund, R., 2017. Doing green, critical criminology with an auto-ethnographic, feminist
approach. Critical Criminology, 25(2), pp.245-260.
Wain, A., 2017. Learning through reflection. British Journal of Midwifery, 25(10), pp.662-666.

Part C
Reflexive practitioner storyboard
Reflection plays an important role in enhancing the self learning and development process
of an individual as it help in identifying the areas where the person is efficiently able to use their
skills and abilities in doing work. Also it can help in self evaluation of work so that the
efficiency and effectiveness of work performance of a person can be analysed along with
identifying the areas where improvements can be made so that highly efficient work can be
resulted. This reflection can also help me in analysing my personal skills and abilities so that i
can become better in dealing with similar situations in future so that better results can be
achieved. While working for part time in a retail organisation in UK i identified various practices
which take place in the industry so that business can smoothly run and high profits can be
generated. I i desire to become a manager in big MNC like Tesco it is important that i acquire the
required skills and abilities that can help me in doing my role effectively so that i can contribute
towards its success. It can also help in my personal and professional development which is
essential for my future growth in career so that i can become successful and happy both
personally and professionally.
During my part time job at the retailer as customer assistant i noticed that the company
followed strict rules and regulations regarding the functions and operation of the store. Also the
manger of the store had effective communication skills which helped him in delivering the
information to all the workers effectively so that they can efficiently do their work. The manager
of the store also had great influencing power which helped him in making good relations with
customers so that the company had many repetitive customers which helped in increasing its
sales. The manager used participative leadership style in order to manage the teams so that all the
team members can be given equal and fair chance to participate in discussion regarding taking
decisions in future. This helped in developing a healthy culture in organisation and most of the
staff members were happy with their jobs due to highly cooperative nature of the manager. I also
learned on how customers are dealt with effectively so that they can be given high quality
services and their complaints can be swiftly addressed so that their loyalty towards company can
be earned. Thus i learnt various things through my experience of working in the retail store that

has helped in boosting my morale on how can i become an effective manager and get my desired
job.
Through my experience in the store i learnt that there are various set of skills that are
essential for a manager so that the operations and workings of the company can be effectively
handled and people can be made to work effectively so that high results can be achieved.
Through my courses at the university i have acquired various skills which helped me in scoring
good marks in my subjects like research skills, interpretation skills, problem solving etc.
However, in order to succeed in career and to develop both personally and professionally i need
to improve various other skills that can make me more professional and competitive among other
candidates so that i can become desirable by the employers as their employee. It can also help me
in effectively using my skills so that i can manage the tasks and complete work on time. This
reflection can help me in determining the areas of improvements and the scope of succeeding in
acquiring new skills related to 21st century so that i can effectively perform well in my career.
While working at the store i also learnt about certain unethical practices that took place in the
firm like excessive use of plastic which i harmful for the environment which i think needs to be
improved and more CSR policies need to be implemented in the organisation for its long
sustainability. Through my experience i thus learnt various things which can help me in
successfully growing towards my career. I need to remain focused and keep on gathering
experiences so that knowledge can be generated on dealing with these experiences. I need to
utilise Gibb’s learning cycle regularly so that continuous learning can take place which can help
me in improving my skills and dealing with situations in better manner.
I also have gained knowledge on how work is done in an organisation which is important
so that company goals and objectives are effectively achieved on time which is also important
for getting promotions in career and developing professionally. I need to however improve
certain skills like knowledge about using computer applications so that work can be efficiently
done and managed, improving my financial knowledge so that finances of company can be
effectively managed, communication skills so that i can effectively lead team members and help
them in completion of work in an efficiently manner.
While working in the store there was an incident regarding conflicts among team members
related to the long working hours in the company which affected their work-life balance and
affected their ability to work efficiently. This situation was to be handled by the store manger

effectively so that employees can be satisfied with their jobs and they can be retained in
company. To deal with this incident, the manager organised a meeting for all the employees so
that they can be gathered for collective discussion regarding solving the issue of uneven working
hours in the organisation which affected the health of employees and left no time for them. The
manager by the way of group discussion motivated all the employees to give their views
regarding improvement in working hours without affecting the efficiency of work of
organisation. Also the employees were asked for any other improvements that can be made in
organisation so that highly effective working environment can be created so that they can use
their skills completely in achieving company goals on time. With the help of the effective
communication skills, effective managerial skills and ability to solve problems in an effective
manner the manager was able to come up with the solution of flexible working hours in
organisation so that the employees can improve their work life balance. Also the effectiveness of
implementation of the flexible working hours was efficiently done by the manager which helped
in increasing the productivity of workers along with their increased trust in company policies.
This improved their morale to work more efficiently so that company can achieve high profits
along with increase in employee retention. During this incident i observed the way in which
manager effectively managed the situation and used influential skills that helped in solving the
problem effectively. I had given the suggestion about improving the working hours of company
through increased flexibility which helped the manger in taking final decision of flexible
working hours.
From the above incident i learnt that it is very important that the situations are handled
effectively through patience so that better solutions can be found and high satisfaction of
employees can be achieved. The manager in the above incident was efficiently able to use skills
regarding solving problems and using effective management style in managing the problems of
staff. Also the solution given by the manager was such that it can be a win-win situation both for
the employees and organisation so that high profits can be generated through improved
productivity of employees. Thus this experience can be used by me in dealing with such
situations in future so that i can effectively manage people in organisation. This incident also
helped me in using my skills of coming up with prompt solution so that i was able to give the
suggestion regarding flexibility in working hours. Thus it also helped me in effectively
contributing in the group discussion. I can thus become a manager in my desired MNC and

develop both personally and professionally so that i can become successful in my career and
become happy. I also learnt that critical thinking and evaluation of situations are important while
dealing with various problems so that effective solution can be drawn. I can make use of
personal development plan so that i can acquire other required skills within specific time which
can help me in achieving my goals and objectives in an efficient manner. I need to continuously
develop my skills which can help me in becoming better at my work so that it can be done with
the required efficiency. I need to observe incident around me so that i can gain knowledge on
how various situations can be handled and effective results can be gained.
Conclusion
From this report it can be concluded that in order to truly and continuously develop both
personally and professionally it is important that self analysis is done regularly so that the weak
areas related to skills and abilities can be found. This can help in making improvements so that
the person can grow in career and develop skills that can help them in taking them to heights in
their profession.

References
Books and Journals
Baldwin, M., 2016. Social work, critical reflection and the learning organization. Routledge.
Chan, K.A. and Kazarian, S.G., 2016. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared
(ATR-FTIR) imaging of tissues and live cells. Chemical Society Reviews, 45(7),
pp.1850-1864.
Chen, W., Xie, J., Zu, S., Gan, S. and Chen, Y., 2016. Multiple-reflection noise attenuation using
adaptive randomized-order empirical mode decomposition. IEEE Geoscience and
Remote Sensing Letters, 14(1), pp.18-22.
Frederiksen, D.L. and Brem, A., 2017. How do entrepreneurs think they create value? A
scientific reflection of Eric Ries’ Lean Startup approach. International
Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 13(1), pp.169-189.
Irabor, K. and Warner, M., 2016, January. Reflection FWI. In 2016 SEG International
Exposition and Annual Meeting. Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Körkkö, M., Kyrö-Ämmälä, O. and Turunen, T., 2016. Professional development through
reflection in teacher education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 55, pp.198-206.
Omar, A.A., Shen, Z. and Huang, H., 2017. Absorptive frequency-selective reflection and
transmission structures. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 65(11),
pp.6173-6178.
Palmer, P.J., 2017. The courage to teach guide for reflection and renewal. John Wiley & Sons.
Park, J., Kang, J.H., Kim, S.J., Liu, X. and Brongersma, M.L., 2017. Dynamic reflection phase
and polarization control in metasurfaces. Nano letters, 17(1), pp.407-413.
Pessin, A. and Goldberg, S., 2016. The Twin Earth Chronicles: Twenty Years of Reflection on
Hilary Putnam's the Meaning of Meaning: Twenty Years of Reflection on Hilary
Putnam's the" Meaning of Meaning". Routledge.
Stige, B., 2017. Where music helps: Community music therapy in action and reflection.
Routledge.