Work in Progress: Distance learners’ conceptions of reflection in higher education

Abstract

With the increasing focus on reflective learning in the higher education course curriculum it seems germane to investigate what learners think of reflection in learning. Using a research design similar to Säljö’s (1979b) study on conceptions of learning, this study explores distance learners’ conceptions of reflection and of themselves as reflective learners. Initial findings from this study are presented in the work in progress paper. These ideas will be used as a springboard for a longitudinal study of Open University students’ conceptions of reflection and how these notions may change over their higher education experience.