“We do not learn from experience ... we learn from reflecting on experience.”
– John Dewey
When we come to a “forked-road situation, a situation which is ambiguous, which presents a dilemma, which proposes alternatives,” that is when our thinking needs to go into high gear, according to American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer John Dewey. Even though our focus may be on the future—what to do about a certain situation—reflection on what has happened and how we handled things in the past helps us learn and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Dewey compares reflection to climbing a tall tree to achieve a better standpoint and arrive at a more commanding view of the situation. Journaling offers us an opportunity to climb that metaphorical tree and reflect on what’s working well and what isn’t and, of course, learn.
Dewey compares reflection to climbing a tall tree to achieve a better standpoint and arrive at a more commanding view of the situation. Journaling offers us an opportunity to climb that metaphorical tree and reflect on what’s working well and what isn’t and, of course, learn.
What dilemma are you facing? Through your journal, consider metaphorically climbing a tall tree to reach a better perspective on it.
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