Building a Lens for Critical Reflection and Reflexivity in Social Work Education

In order to fulfill the mission of the profession, social work educators are challenged to assist future practitioners to build a critically reflective lens for social work practice. This article presents a journey in utilizing reflection as a teaching tool in graduate social work education. A theoretical framework for utilizing critical reflection as a pedagogical strategy is presented. Specific tools for structuring reflection and enhancing critical thinking are offered. The authors discuss the process in moving from reflection which utilizes critical thinking skills to reflexivity which relies on critical social theory.