Transition skills and strategies - Critical Self-reflection

This report explores the concept of critical self-reflection as one important transition skill that students would benefit from developing during their university studies. It begins with a discussion of the different terms that have been used interchangeably with critical self-reflection, thereafter offers a definition of what is meant by critical self-reflection, and then presents an overview of why critical self-reflection is important in the context of student transitions. The importance of critical self-reflection at key transition points is also discussed. As in the indepth exploration of self-efficacy (Report 4), transition points are viewed as: pre-transition, shock and adjustment and progression. Finally, the report recommends a number of practical strategies which can help students develop their reflective skills. Also identified are the potential, challenges in developing critical self-reflection.