Reflective processes help us see the world in alternative ways by allowing us to focus on different aspects of our experiences. Reflective processes are the stages of reflective activity that we go through when we consciously decide to explore or reflect on an experience. There are many ways to think about something, but before we look at one or two formal structures, we need to look at the basic ideas behind using a thinking structure. There are essentially six basic steps to reflection processes: Step 1: Select a critical incident to reflect on. Step 2: observe and describe this experience. Step 3: Analyze this experience. Step 4: Interpret this experience. Step 5: Explore Alternatives. Step 6: Frame Action. Now, any experience we have had can be used as a focus for reflection, but what we choose to reflect on must have some meaning to us. It's meaningful in terms of what we're trying to achieve or what purpose it's going to serve. These significant experiences or events are often known as critical incidents. Flanagan (1954: 327) defined what he meant by critical incidents: “An incident means any observable human activity which is sufficiently complete in itself to permit inferences and predictions to be made about the person who performs the act. To be critical, an incident must occur in a situation where the purpose or intention of the act seems clear enough to the observer and where its consequences are sufficiently precise to leave little doubt about its effects. of experiences that have special meaning for the observer, practitioner or anyone else who participates in them. These can be positive or negative experiences and should be able to be described concisely (Jasper 2003). When focusing on events involving other people, you will need to think about the following: the effect this might have on other people involved; obtaining consent from other people involved; the status of any written document you may establish; confidentiality and protection of others. in a professional context you need to think about the following: contextual cues from discussing things that have happened; choosing what you want to say and considering its implications; respect for professional codes of conduct and their implications; the consequences of disclosure; misconduct/professional misconduct/negligence;