UNIT 5: Critical Reflection: meaning, critical reflection and reflective practice in social

work, Reflection on action, reflection in action and reflection for action. Critical
reflection for professional decision making

Critical Reflection

Critical reflection means carefully thinking about an experience, event, or situation to

understand it better. It helps in learning and improving by analyzing thoughts, actions, and
decisions. In social work, critical reflection is essential for personal and professional growth.

Why is Critical Reflection Important?

• It helps in continuous learning and improvement.

• It allows individuals to understand their experiences deeply.

• It identifies personal biases, values, and beliefs that influence decision-making.

• It enhances problem-solving and professional skills.

• It supports ethical and effective practice in social work.

Reflective Practice in Social Work

Reflective practice means social workers think about their work, including their interactions
with clients, colleagues, and society. It is not just remembering what happened but analyzing
it in a structured way to improve future actions.

Types of Reflection

There are three main types of reflection in social work:

1. Reflection on Action (After an Event)

• Happens after an experience or interaction.

• Involves thinking about what happened, why it happened, and the results.

• Helps in learning from past experiences to improve future actions.

2. Reflection in Action (During an Event)

• Happens while working or interacting with clients.

• Involves being aware of thoughts, emotions, and actions in the present moment.

• Helps in adjusting actions immediately to handle situations better.

3. Reflection for Action (Before an Event)

• Happens before facing a situation or challenge.

• Involves planning, predicting challenges, and preparing strategies.

• Helps in being proactive and making informed decisions.

Benefits of Critical Reflection in Social Work

• Helps in better decision-making and problem-solving.

• Encourages self-awareness and personal growth.

• Reduces biases and promotes fair and ethical practice.

• Improves the ability to adapt and respond effectively.

• Supports advocacy for social justice and positive change.

Conclusion

Critical reflection is a powerful tool in social work that helps professionals think deeply about
their experiences and improve their practice. By engaging in reflection before, during, and
after events, social workers can make better decisions, challenge unfair systems, and provide
better support to clients.

Unit-6 SELF ASSESSMENT : Identifying One's Strengths and Weaknesses, Identity,

Body Image, and Values. Tools Used: Johari Window, Identity Circle, Keeping Journal,
Self-Performance Appraisal, Self-Awareness Questionnaires - Questionnaires on
Learning Styles, Interpersonal Needs, Assertiveness, Big Five Personality

What is Self-Assessment?

Self-assessment is the ability to evaluate one’s own abilities, characteristics, emotions, and
values. It helps individuals develop a realistic self-image and understand their strengths,
weaknesses, and personal growth areas.

Why is Self-Assessment Important?

• Increases self-awareness and helps in personal and professional growth.

• Improves decision-making and goal-setting.

• Helps in developing confidence and overcoming self-doubt.

• Enhances emotional intelligence by understanding personal reactions to different situations.

Key Areas of Self-Assessment

1. Strengths and Weaknesses

Understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for self-improvement and success.

• Strengths: Talents, skills, and qualities that help a person succeed.

• Example: Good communication skills, leadership ability, creativity.

• Weaknesses: Areas that need improvement.

• Example: Poor time management, lack of patience, difficulty handling criticism.

How to assess strengths and weaknesses?

• Reflect on past successes and failures.

• Ask for feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors.

• Take personality tests or self-assessment quizzes.

2. Identity

Identity refers to the unique characteristics, beliefs, and values that define a person. It
includes:

• Personal Identity → One’s self-concept, beliefs, and experiences.

• Social Identity → How a person interacts with society (e.g., cultural background,
profession, religion).

• Professional Identity → Skills, expertise, and role in a career.

How to develop a strong identity?

• Engage in self-reflection to understand personal goals and values.

• Explore different experiences to shape and refine identity.

• Accept and embrace one’s unique qualities.

3. Body Image

Body image is how a person perceives and feels about their physical appearance.

• Positive Body Image → Acceptance of one’s body, leading to confidence and self-esteem.

• Negative Body Image → Insecurity and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, which may
lead to anxiety and low self-esteem.

How to develop a positive body image?

• Avoid unrealistic beauty standards portrayed in media.

• Focus on health and fitness rather than appearance.

• Practice self-love and self-care.

4. Values

Values are the principles and beliefs that guide a person’s behavior and decisions.

Examples of values:

• Honesty

• Compassion

• Hard work

• Respect for others

• Personal growth

How to identify personal values?

• Think about what is most important in life.

• Observe the decisions you make and what influences them.

• Consider role models and the values they embody.

Self-Assessment Tools

1. Johari Window

The Johari Window is a model developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955 to
improve self-awareness and interpersonal communication.

It consists of four quadrants:

Quadrant Description Example

A person who is confident about their public
Open Area Known to self and others
speaking skills and others also recognize it.
Known to others but not
Blind Spot A person who speaks too loudly but is unaware of it.
to self
Known to self but hidden A person who struggles with anxiety but does not
Hidden Area
from others share it.
Unknown Unknown to both self and
A hidden talent or potential yet to be discovered.
Area others
How to use Johari Window?

• Ask for feedback from others to reduce blind spots.

• Share personal thoughts to expand the open area.

2. Identity Circle

The Identity Circle helps people explore how different factors shape their identity.

There are two ways to approach it:

1. Inside-Out Approach: Focuses on how internal beliefs and values shape actions.

2. Outside-In Approach: Looks at how external influences shape identity.

Example:

• A person who values kindness (inside-out) may actively volunteer to help others.

• A person who faces peer pressure (outside-in) may adjust their behavior to fit in with a
group.

Why it’s useful?

• Helps individuals align their actions with their true self.

• Encourages self-reflection and authenticity.

3. Keeping a Journal

Journaling is a great way to track emotions, thoughts, and self-improvement.

Benefits:

• Improves self-awareness and clarity.

• Helps in managing stress and emotions.

• Provides a record of personal growth and learning.

How to start journaling?

• Write about daily experiences and emotions.

• Set personal goals and track progress.

• Reflect on challenges and how to overcome them.

4. Self-Performance Appraisal

A self-performance appraisal involves evaluating one’s own progress and achievements.

Steps to do it:

1. Set clear goals.

2. Assess progress and challenges.

3. Identify improvements and future goals.

Example:

• A student reviews their academic performance and identifies subjects where they need more
focus.

5. Self-Awareness Questionnaires

These are structured tools designed to measure personality, values, and strengths.

Some commonly used tests:

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) → Identifies personality type (e.g., introvert or

extrovert).

• StrengthsFinder → Highlights an individual’s natural talents.

Why take these tests?

• Provides insights into behavior and preferences.

• Helps in career and personal development.

6. Big Five Personality Traits (OCEAN Model)

This model categorizes personality into five dimensions:

Trait Description Example

Openness to
Creativity, curiosity Someone who loves trying new things.
Experience
Organization,
Conscientiousness A person who follows schedules strictly.
responsibility
Extraversion Sociability, energy levels Someone who enjoys social gatherings.
Agreeableness Kindness, empathy A person who helps others and avoids
 Trait Description Example
conflicts.
Neuroticism Emotional stability Someone who easily gets stressed.

Why it’s useful?

• Helps in understanding personality strengths and weaknesses.

• Can guide career and relationship choices.

How to Develop Self-Assessment Skills?

1. Practice Self-Reflection → Spend time thinking about thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

2. Seek Feedback → Ask for honest opinions from trusted people.

3. Use Assessment Tools → Take quizzes and tests to understand personality traits.

4. Set Personal Goals → Define what to improve and track progress.

5. Keep a Growth Mindset → Accept feedback positively and work on self-improvement.

Conclusion

Self-assessment is a continuous process that helps individuals develop self-awareness,

improve relationships, and achieve personal growth. Using tools like Johari Window, Identity
Circle, Journaling, and Personality Assessments can enhance self-understanding and guide
personal and professional development.