Hatton and Smith (1995:4) state that ‘reflection’ and ‘critical reflection’ are ubiquitous terms used in the
descriptions of approaches to teacher education. They believe many of these terms are loosely defined and
embrace a wide range of concepts and strategies. However, Schon (in Hatton and Smith) has narrowed his
definition and he discusses the terms ‘reflection-on-action’ and ‘reflection-in-action’. The latter implies that the
professional has reached a stage of competence where they are capable of thinking consciously and being able to
modify their actions almost immediately. Hatton and Smith restate his idea by saying that knowledge is ‘derived
from the construction and reconstruction of professional experiences’.