Understanding and Supporting Reflective Learning Processes in the Workplace: The CSRL Model

Abstract

Reflective learning is a mechanism to turn experience into learning. As a mechanism for self-directed learning, it has been found to be critical for success at work. This is true for individual employees, teams and whole organizations. However, most work on reflection can be found in educational contexts, and there is only little work regarding the connection of reflection on individual, group and organization levels. In this paper, we propose a model that can describe cases of reflective learning at work (CSRL). The model represents reflective learning processes as intertwined learning cycles. In contrast to other models of reflective learning, the CSRL model can describe both individual and collaborative learning and learning that impacts larger parts of an organization. It provides terminology to describe and discuss motivations for reflective learning, including triggers, objectives for and objects of reflective learning. The paper illustrates how the model helps to analyse and differentiate cases of reflective learning at work and to design tool support for such settings.