Reflecting on 'reflection' and 'reflex'.

摘要

Editor - I have always been interested in the origin and meaning of words. All disciplines - the humanities, sciences and professions -have developed specialist language, the use of which acts as a marker of 'belonging' and serves to express the philosophy and knowledge bound to the discipline. Sometimes new meaning is brought to words that are found elsewhere and sometimes currency plays a part in usage, whereby certain terms and phrases come in and out of use. One such term is 'reflection'.Take a look at recent health professions education literature and you find 'reflection' popping up frequently. In the last year or so, an Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) guide has been published, a conceptual map presented and several useful strategies for teaching and understanding reflection have appeared in 'Really Good Stuff.