Researching reflective practice: a case study of youth work education

Abstract

This paper aims to help fill the gap in the literature on how to educate reflective youth work practitioners. The author reflects on his teaching practice. This includes in class, online and field‐based critical reflection work that cuts across a number of courses over three years. Students engage in a range of teaching and learning activities that promote the exercise of human agency and responsible action, alerting them to their own capacity for transformative action and professional youth work practice. The lessons can be adapted for use in other discipline areas where staff appreciate the pedagogical value of reflective practice.