Reflective learning in higher education: Active methodologies for transformative practices

Abstract

In this Special Issue, Reflective Learning in Higher Education explores on tertiary education and its practices. It looks at in-house and external individuals, and collective initiatives and activities that centre on generating and reflecting on knowledge. It also explores the transformation output of learning communities, the communities themselves and their reflective practices, and discusses how reflective learning and developing one's professional identity through reflection are linked. The connections between the theoretical and applied research on reflective practices, knowledge generation in all areas, professional practice and identity through theoretical definition, situated and grounded practice and transformative knowledge are also considered. The nine manuscripts in this Special Issue manifest that reflective learning is likely to (i) help forge students' professional identity and ensure sustainable competences are effectively developed, (ii) transform students' preconceived perspectives and social preferences to foster new reasoned action plans for decision-making, (iii) promote understanding one's personal professional strengths and limitations and develop the ability to identify resources and ways to solve existing and/or future professional challenges and (iv) modify the students' beliefs, attitudes, and daily behaviour to develop competences that will ultimately result in promoting sustainability.