Home | Syllabus | Group A Outlines | Group B Outlines | Group C Outlines | Related Sites
PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION

Donald Schön

The reflective practitioner

The expert believes...

I am presumed to know and must claim to do so, regardless of my uncertainty

I keep my distance from the client and hold onto the expert role

I look for deference and status in the client's response to my professional demeanor

A reflective practitioner believes

I am not the only one in the situation with relevant and important knowledge

I seek out the client's thoughts and feelings. Respect for my knowledge will emerge if I am helpful

I look for a sense of freedom and connection with the client

A traditional contract...

The client is placed in the professional's hands and gains a sense of security based on faith

The client need only comply with advice and all will be well

The client is pleased to be served by the best person available

A reflective contract

The client joins with the professional to gain a sense of involvement and action

The client exercises some control over the situation--both are inter-dependent

The client can test judgements against the competence of the professional. The client makes discoveries about knowledge and practice