What is Borton’s Model of Reflection

Reflection is an integral part of the learning process, especially in health and social care settings. Borton’s Model of Reflection offers a structured approach to thinking essentially about experiences. Developed by Terry Borton in 1970, this model is designed to enhance professional practice by fostering a deeper understanding of one’s experiences.

Structure of Borton’s Model

Borton’s Model is straightforward. It revolves around three simple questions: What? So what? Now what? These questions guide the reflective process, encouraging individuals to explore experiences comprehensively.

What?

The first step involves describing the event or experience. This step sets the foundation for reflection by addressing specific details:

• Event Description: What happened? Who was involved?
• Context: Where did it happen? When did it happen?
• Objective Details: What were the observable facts?

This phase is about gathering information and establishing a factual account. It is essential to remain objective and avoid interpretations at this stage. The aim is to create a detailed and accurate picture of the experience.

So What?

This step involves analysis and interpretation. It requires you to look deeper into the meaning and implications of the experience:

• Emotional Response: How did the experience affect you? What were your feelings?
• Relevance: Why is this experience significant?
• Understanding: What have you learned from it? How does it relate to your knowledge and skills?
• Impact: How did this event affect the people involved or the situation?

The “So what?” stage encourages essential thinking. It pushes you to evaluate the experience’s significance and consider how it informs your practice. This reflection helps uncover underlying assumptions and identify gaps in knowledge.

Now What?

The final step looks towards future actions and improvements. It focuses on applying the insights gained:

• Future Actions: What will you do differently next time?
• Improved Practice: How will you change your behaviour or approach?
• Action Plan: What steps can you take to enhance your skills or knowledge?
• Learning Needs: What further learning is required?

This stage turns reflection into actionable change. It bridges the gap between understanding and improvement, fostering continuous professional development.

Importance in Health and Social Care

Reflective practice is essential in health and social care. Practitioners face complex situations requiring adaptability and growth. Borton’s model offers a structured approach, ensuring comprehensive reflection:

• Self-awareness: It enhances understanding of one’s actions and their impact.
• Learning from Experience: Practitioners can gain insights from everyday events and essential incidents.
• Professional Development: It aids in identifying areas for improvement and developing competencies.
• Quality Care: Reflection ensures ongoing improvement, leading to better patient and service user outcomes.

Application in Practice

Case Study as an Example

Consider a nurse dealing with a challenging patient interaction:

• What? A patient was upset and refused medication.
• So What? The situation was stressful. The nurse learned about the importance of communication and empathy. Misunderstandings about medication were identified.
• Now What? The nurse decides to enhance communication skills and develop strategies for managing difficult conversations. Training sessions and workshops are sought.

This example illustrates how the model facilitates structured reflection, leading to personal and professional growth.

Reflection in Team Settings

Borton’s model can also be used in team settings. It encourages collaborative learning and shared experiences. Team reflection sessions can enhance understanding, improve teamwork, and lead to collective problem-solving.

Academic Settings

Students in health and social care fields can use Borton’s model to integrate theory with practice. Reflective assignments based on this model help students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

Comparisons with Other Models

Several reflective models exist, each with unique features. Comparing Borton’s model to others highlights its strengths:

Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle

Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle offers a more detailed process, with six stages: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan. While comprehensive, it can be more complex. Borton’s model, in contrast, is simpler and more direct, making it accessible and easy to use.

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle

Kolb’s cycle involves four stages: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualisation, and Active Experimentation. It focuses on learning from experience through a cyclic process. Borton’s model emphasizes immediate reflection and action, making it practical for quick application.

Advantages of Borton’s Model

• Simplicity: Its straightforward nature makes it easy to remember and implement.
• Flexibility: It can be adapted to various settings and situations.
• Efficiency: It facilitates rapid reflection, essential in fast-paced environments like healthcare.
• Focus on Action: It emphasises actionable steps, driving improvement.

Issues and Considerations

While Borton’s model offers many benefits, there are challenges to consider:

• Depth of Analysis: The model’s simplicity might lead to superficial reflection if not carefully applied.
• Over-reliance: Practitioners might overuse it, missing the depth offered by more comprehensive models.
• Contextual Understanding: Ensuring the context of experiences is fully explored is essential for meaningful reflection.

Tips for Effective Use

To maximise the benefits of Borton’s model, consider these tips:

• Be Honest: Reflect honestly about experiences, acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement.
• Avoid Assumptions: Base reflections on facts, not assumptions or biases.
• Seek Feedback: Engage others for feedback, providing diverse perspectives.
• Regular Practice: Integrate reflection into routine practice to make it a habit.
• Link to Theory: Connect reflections to theoretical frameworks to deepen understanding.

Final Thoughts

Borton’s Model of Reflection is an invaluable tool in health and social care. It provides a clear, structured approach to reflection, enhancing learning and professional development. By guiding practitioners through experience description, analysis, and future planning, it fosters self-awareness and continuous improvement. The model’s simplicity and flexibility make it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from individual reflection to team settings.

The model’s application extends beyond healthcare, proving useful in any field where learning from experience is essential. Adapting the reflective process to fit specific needs ensures its relevance and effectiveness. Borton’s model remains a cornerstone in reflective practice, empowering individuals to evolve and provide better care through understanding and action.