Reflection is easier to talk about than to do. Most practitioners agree it matters — but without a structure to guide the process, reflection can easily collapse into rumination: going over the same ground, reaching the same conclusions, without anything shifting.
Reflective models are tools. They give structure to the process of thinking carefully about practice — helping you move from 'what happened' to 'what did it mean' to 'what would I do differently'. Different models suit different situations and different people, and practitioners often find that using a model changes over time: it moves from explicit scaffolding to an internalised habit of thinking.
This module introduces four of the most widely used reflective models in homelessness and social care practice: the ERA cycle, Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle, and the What/So What/Now What framework. It is designed to be practical — to help you choose a model and use it, not just understand it in the abstract.
This is a Developing-level module within Subject 3: Professional Practice and Reflective Skills.