Reflective learning enhances our learning and mastery by using reflection to engage more deeply with our practice. Rather than merely passively engaging in practice, we are actively thinking about how we practiced, what we did well, what we did poorly, and what we can improve. We become more aware of our own practice and can see trends in our work that can be adjusted and changed. Over time, this accelerates the mastery process.
A very simple form of reflection can occur after making something or engaging in your practice. Take some time to reflect back over what you did. What did you do well? What did you do poorly? What can you do differently in the future? This is a great way to learn from your mistakes, and just learn from your process in general.
Reflection can also be used to connect what you learn in books with what you do in practice. Reflect back over the choices you made during the practice or project and what you can learn from them. If you were testing a hypothesis, did it work? What did you learn? If you were practicing a skill, what can you do to improve? How did your materials behave? What can you do differently next time? All of these things help you learn from what you have done, and learn from your practice.
Finally, reflective learning can be used to help you learn to be more creative and problem solve. If you are experimenting with different techniques or approaches, reflecting on your process can help you improve. Reflecting on what you have done in the past can help you figure out what to do in the present and future. This is all part of reflective learning, and helps you become a more independent learner and thinker.
If you take some time to reflect on your practice and learning, you will find that you improve more rapidly. Over time, you will see that your work is better, you can complete things more quickly, and you are more confident. You will be more intentional about what you are doing, and will practice more intentionally. Reflection helps you keep track of where you are and where you are going, and helps you adjust your practice to meet your needs.