Proposing a New Model for Reflective Practice: The 5Es Reflective Framework

Professional development hinges on reflective practice, which allows practitioners to glean insights from their experiences and improve their performance. Whilst current models offer useful frameworks for reflection, they often overlook the role of expectations. This paper introduces a new approach, the 5Es Reflective Framework, which explicitly integrates expectations into the reflective process. The framework consists of five phases: Expectation, Experience, Evaluation, Explore, and Execute. This model encourages practitioners to recognise their initial expectations, recount their experiences, assess outcomes considering expectations, delve into emotions and beliefs, and finally, craft action plans based on the insights gained. The 5Es framework draws on influential theories of reflection and learning, including Dewey’s emphasis on reflection in learning, Schön’s concept of “reflection-in-action”, and Mezirow’s transformative learning theory. The 5Es framework offers numerous advantages for professional practice, such as heightened self-awareness, enhanced critical thinking, greater accountability, and ongoing professional development. It is versatile and can be employed in various settings, including individual reflection, group discussions, mentoring, and professional development programmes. By explicitly incorporating expectations, the 5Es framework addresses a significant shortcoming in existing models. It fosters self-awareness, encourages deeper analysis, and provides a clear, structured, and adaptable approach to reflective practice. The 5Es Reflective Framework presents a valuable new method for reflective practice, promoting a more comprehensive and multifaceted examination of experiences. By explicitly integrating expectations, it offers a robust tool for professionals across diverse fields to learn, grow, and enhance their practice.