Understanding the Taxonomy of Reflective Inquiry and its impact on learning
We are creating a Taxonomy of Reflective Inquiry (TORI) that offers a more systematic approach to help people learn through reflection and process their experiences, ultimately making sense of the world.
Currently, reflection and metacognition receive only minimal attention in schools, where students might be encouraged to reflect but are not necessarily guided in a structured manner. We need a more robust system encompassing different types of reflection, varied methodologies, and the patterns that shape our experiences (from life events to everyday challenges), ensuring that each person can develop a unique and tailored approach.
A key feature of this taxonomy involves the identification and categorization of the many nuanced skills within the domain of reflection. For each of the skills, we can also develop them in multiple levels or stages.
By layering different metacognitive patterns, individuals can create a personalized reflection toolkit, selecting and blending practices that address their specific needs.
A systematic taxonomy that moves beyond basic self-reflection to structured methodologies that help individuals process experiences and make sense of the world around them.
We have currently identified 6 Domains under which you'll find 60+ categories of reflection in 96 distinct related fields, though this list is only preliminary. Additional categories may emerge as we refine the taxonomy, identifying common patterns that can help individuals adapt their reflection styles.
This adaptability supports people in managing an array of experiences, whether routine or highly emotional, and underscores the importance of a customized approach.
We will continue expanding and refining these categories, each highlighting a distinct metacognitive skill, so that individuals can better recognize and nurture their reflective abilities.