reflective thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"reflective thinking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a form of thinking that is thoughtful and analytical. For example, "The professor encouraged the students to engage in reflective thinking before submitting their essays."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Furthermore, the students were able to reflect and utilise critical and reflective thinking.

BMC Medical Education

However, there is a slight increment in the means of female students' reflective thinking skills towards problem solving over the males' reflective thinking skills towards problem solving.

Computers in Human Behavior

Acquisition of effective, goal-oriented communication skills requires both practicing skills and reflective thinking.

Patient Education and Counseling

Put more directly, some readers of this piece will like the kind of reflective thinking these questions intend to prompt; others simply won't.

The Guardian

This might be unproblematic when people are able to engage in decision-making processes that involve effortful and reflective thinking.

BMC Medical Ethics

Seven studies explored the effect of discussion boards on knowledge acquisition, as well as on development of critical and reflective thinking.

BMC Medical Education

The websites are effective in enhancing practical skills performance, and discussion boards in knowledge acquisition, as well as in development of critical and reflective thinking.

BMC Medical Education

A concern by the experts was that most parents in the local context are used to a directive approach from clinicians compared to reflective thinking.

Global Health Action

DAC is characterized by simulating the clinical setting using a standardized linear format delivered using a case-based learning strategy that promotes critical reasoning skills and reflective thinking.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

How do you marry rapid cognition to reflective thinking under the rubric of "common sense"?

WikiHow

Their seven categories ranged from unreflective thinking (habitual action, introspection and thoughtful action) to reflective thinking (content reflection, process reflection, content and process reflection and premise reflection).

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about learning or professional development, use "reflective thinking" to emphasize the importance of self-assessment and continuous improvement. For example, a sentence could be: "Encouraging "reflective thinking" helps students connect theory with practice."

Common error

While "reflective thinking" is appropriate in many academic and professional settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "thinking it over" or "considering it carefully" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reflective thinking" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of cognitive process. Ludwig AI examples show its use in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflective thinking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to a deep and analytical thought process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's common in academic, scientific, and professional contexts, often used to encourage self-assessment and learning. While alternatives like "deliberate thinking" or "critical reflection" exist, "reflective thinking" effectively conveys the importance of thoughtful consideration of one's own experiences and assumptions. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in overly informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberate thinking

Focuses on the intentional and careful nature of thought.

critical reflection

Emphasizes a more analytical and evaluative form of thinking.

deep contemplation

Highlights the profundity and immersion in thought.

thoughtful analysis

Focuses on detailed and careful examination of a subject.

purposeful contemplation

Highlights contemplation with a specific aim or goal.

intellectual rumination

Implies a prolonged and thoughtful consideration.

considered judgment

Emphasizes the careful and thoughtful process leading to a decision.

analytical reasoning

Highlights the use of logic and analysis in thinking.

conscious deliberation

Stresses the awareness and intentionality of the thinking process.

introspective analysis

Focuses on the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

How to use "reflective thinking" in a sentence?

"Reflective thinking" is often used in the context of education, personal development, and problem-solving. For example, "The course encourages "reflective thinking" about professional experiences" or "Engaging in "reflective thinking" can improve decision-making skills."

What can I say instead of "reflective thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "deliberate thinking", "critical reflection", or "thoughtful analysis" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "reflective thought" the same as "reflective thinking"?

While closely related, "reflective thought" typically refers to a single instance of thoughtful consideration, whereas "reflective thinking" implies a more continuous or habitual process. They can often be used interchangeably, but the latter emphasizes the ongoing nature of reflection.

What's the difference between "critical thinking" and "reflective thinking"?

"Critical thinking" focuses on analyzing and evaluating information, while "reflective thinking" involves considering one's own assumptions, beliefs, and experiences in relation to that information. "Critical thinking" is often more outward-focused, while "reflective thinking" is more inward-focused.