The CIRCLE reflective model: An Ubuntu-informed framework for equity-centred reflective practice in education

Reflective practice remains a prominent pedagogical approach in education, yet many established models emphasise individual cognition and self-evaluation while paying limited attention to identity, power, inclusion, and social justice. Drawing on Ubuntu philosophy, this paper presents the CIRCLE Reflective Model as an equity-centred framework for reflective practice in education. Building on established reflective traditions, the paper argues for a more relational, ethical and socially situated understanding of learning grounded in dignity, reciprocity, interconnectedness, and collective responsibility. The CIRCLE framework comprises six interconnected dimensions: Context and Community, Identity and Inclusion, Relational Encounter, Care and Ethics, Collective Learning, and Empowerment and Action. Together, these dimensions encourage learners and educators to situate experiences within broader social contexts, critically examine identity and power, engage with relationships and ethical responsibilities, learn collaboratively, and translate reflection into transformative action. The paper positions CIRCLE as a contribution to equity-centred pedagogy, belonging, decolonisation, and socially just educational practice. By integrating Ubuntu with reflective pedagogy, the model extends reflection beyond individual introspection towards relational accountability and collective flourishing. The framework offers a practical and theoretically grounded approach to reflective inquiry that supports critical consciousness, inclusion, and transformative educational change.