Bortons Model of Reflection

Reflective practice plays a vital role in personal and professional growth, especially in fields like healthcare, education, and social work. Among the many frameworks available, Borton’s Model of Reflection stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. Developed in the 1970s by Terry Borton, this model encourages learners and practitioners to think deeply about their experiences through a structured process. It involves three guiding questions: What? So what? Now what? These steps help individuals examine events from multiple angles and make informed decisions for future actions.

Understanding Borton’s Model of Reflection

The Origin of the Model

Terry Borton first introduced his model of reflection in 1970 through his book Reach, Touch and Teach. He developed it as a means of experiential learning that would promote self-awareness and critical thinking. Although initially created for educational settings, Borton’s model has been widely adopted across various disciplines because of its universal applicability and ease of use.

The Structure: What? So what? Now what?

Borton’s Model of Reflection is based on a cycle of three simple but powerful questions that guide the reflection process:

• What?– This stage involves describing the event or experience. What happened? Who was involved? What was your role?
• So what?– This step prompts deeper analysis. What did you learn? Why does this matter? How did it make you feel?
• Now what?– This final stage focuses on future actions. What will you do differently? What steps will you take next time?

Applying the Model in Practice

Healthcare and Nursing

In the healthcare field, reflective practice is essential for improving patient care and developing professional competence. Borton’s model allows nurses and other healthcare professionals to think critically about their actions and learn from real-world experiences. For instance, after a challenging patient interaction, a nurse might use the model to identify what happened, analyze the emotional and professional impact, and plan strategies to handle similar situations more effectively.

Education and Teaching

Teachers often use Borton’s reflection model to evaluate their teaching practices and classroom interactions. After a lesson that did not go as planned, an educator can reflect on what occurred, examine why it happened, and decide how to modify their approach. This kind of reflective process promotes lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

Social Work and Counseling

Professionals in social work and counseling benefit from Borton’s Model of Reflection when they deal with complex emotional and ethical situations. Reflecting on interactions with clients helps them become more empathetic, ethical, and effective in their roles. It also helps them avoid burnout by making sense of emotionally taxing experiences.

Benefits of Using Borton’s Reflective Model

Clarity and Focus

One of the most significant benefits of Borton’s model is its clarity. The three-step process provides a clear framework for reflection, preventing the practitioner from feeling overwhelmed. The simple questions guide the reflection without requiring specialized knowledge or jargon.

Encourages Deep Thinking

Despite its simplicity, Borton’s model promotes deep critical thinking. The So what? stage, in particular, encourages users to explore underlying meanings, emotional responses, and learning outcomes. This analytical depth helps turn everyday experiences into powerful learning moments.

Action-Oriented Reflection

Unlike some reflective models that focus primarily on analysis, Borton’s model emphasizes action. The Now what? phase ensures that reflection leads to real-world changes and improvements. This practical aspect is especially valuable in fast-paced professional environments.

Integrating Borton’s Model with Other Frameworks

Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle

While Borton’s model is simple, it can be integrated with more detailed frameworks like Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, which includes six stages. Professionals may start with Borton’s three questions and then expand the So what? and Now what? stages using elements from other models to gain additional insight.

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory

Kolb’s theory focuses on learning through experience and consists of four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Borton’s questions align well with this cycle, especially when applied in educational settings that value experiential learning.

Using the Model for Self-Development

Personal Reflection

Borton’s Model is not limited to professional use. It is an excellent tool for personal growth and development. Individuals can use it to reflect on life decisions, relationships, or personal challenges. By asking What happened?, Why does it matter?, and What will I do next?, people gain clarity and direction in their personal lives.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing emotions effectively. Reflecting on emotional experiences through Borton’s framework helps individuals recognize their emotional triggers, build empathy, and develop more thoughtful responses. Over time, this strengthens communication and interpersonal relationships.

Implementing Borton’s Model in Training

Workshops and Professional Development

Organizations can implement Borton’s reflective model in training sessions and workshops. Trainers can encourage participants to reflect on role-plays, case studies, or real-life scenarios using the model. This enhances both knowledge retention and practical application.

Written Reflections and Journaling

Encouraging employees, students, or trainees to keep reflective journals using Borton’s structure is another effective method. Regular reflective writing builds a habit of critical thinking and continuous learning, making individuals more self-aware and adaptable.

Challenges and Limitations

Over-Simplification

Some critics argue that Borton’s model is too simplistic for complex situations. It may not provide enough depth for those seeking a more nuanced understanding. However, its simplicity can also be seen as a strength, particularly for beginners.

Lack of Emotional Context

The model does not explicitly address emotional dimensions unless the individual consciously brings them into the reflection. This could be a limitation for those dealing with emotionally charged experiences, requiring additional tools or questions for deeper emotional insight.

Borton’s Model of Reflection is a valuable tool for anyone interested in learning from their experiences. Its simplicity makes it accessible, while its structured approach promotes meaningful insight and practical action. Whether used in healthcare, education, social work, or personal development, the model supports ongoing growth and improvement. By consistently asking What?, So what?, and Now what?, individuals and professionals alike can navigate their experiences with greater clarity and purpose.