Task 2c continued

Reflection in-action and reflection on-action

As I progress through working on Reader 2, this particular concept by Donald Schon (1987), has come up in many on,ins discussions, including a group Skype session a few weeks ago.

To Summarise- Reflection IN actions happens whilst actually doing something, reflection ON  action is reflecting back upon something.

  I work in both ways, depending on the situation. For example, when going into a residential home for a show the clientele may be completely different than expected, and my chosen songs are not suitable, therefore I will quickly refer to my music archives and select a more appropriate playlist I know they will find more enjoyable. This IN action reflection has been extremely effective in ensuring the audiences have the best experience, with music they will appreciate and engage with.
  Also, as discussed in the reader, when dancing or performing live, unexpected things can occur, such as forgetting the steps, in which you must reflect in-action to correct it and carry on, rather than simply wait until after the performance to then correct yourself.
   However, with regards to reflection on-action, I use this technique after a performance to evaluate how it went and how I can improve next time. I agree with Robert Kottcamps point 'Reflection on-action is accomplished "offline" at a time when full attention can be given to analysis and planning for the future without the imperative for immediate action...' (Kottcamp 1990)
It is important to take the time after an event, without being pressured for immediate results like in-action reflection. See my previous blog 'Task 2b- Reflective Writing Task' in which I reflect on-action upon a performance using Honey and Mumfords adaptation of Kolb's learning cycle (Honey and Mumford, 1992).
   Overall I feel the more ways you can reflect upon your actions, be it on or off-line engagement, the more self aware you are, becoming a more established and mature proffessional.