This book is a commonsense guide to becoming a reflective practitioner, written by a practitioner for practitioners. Relying on actual practice situations, stories, and self-guided exercises, it responds to the questions: Why should professionals care about reflective practice? How do its principles and methods increase competence? What characteristics distinguish reflective practitioners?

Every person in a conflict resolution process sees the world differently and acts in a distinctive manner. Yet, by following well-developed practice routines, practitioners often fail to consider the unpredictability of human interactions and overlook behaviors that are inconsistent with their expectations. To respond effectively to surprising and unpredictable events, this book encourages practitioners to adapt their thinking, so they can use their knowledge and skills when situations do not match their assumptions or are inconsistent with their practice routines.

Michael Langis a mediator with more than 30 years' experience in the areas of family, workplace, organizational, congregational and public policy disputes. Michael is the founding Director of the Master of Arts Program in Conflict Resolution at Antioch University.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter One: Reflective Practice An Introduction

Chapter Two: The 9 Attributes of a Reflective Practitioner

Chapter Three: TheoryWhat We Think Shapes What We Do

Chapter Four: How Research Improves Practice

Chapter Five: The Methods of Reflective Practice

Chapter Six: Reflective Debrief

Chapter Seven: Becoming Reflective Practitioners Next Steps

Bibliography