Smyth Model

Describe: What do I do? Provide a detailed, honest, non-judgmental

description of an event or practice that you want
to reflect on. Make the reader feel like they are
there. Remember that sometimes the smallest
moments make the best reflections.

Inform: What does this mean? Why do I do Think about why this moment was meaningful to
it? you? Ask yourself, why did I do what I did in this
particular situation? Be honest and consider the
emotions involved.

Confront: How did I come to be like this?
What are my beliefs/assumptions about this
practice?
Start here with your philosophy and consider how
you have come to have the values and beliefs that
you do (for instance, personal experience and
culture).

How does this link with what I know? This is

where you can make connections to Te Whāriki
(Ministry of Education, 2017), your centre and
other documents, such as the Graduating Teacher
Standards and Our Code, Our Standards.

What does theory tell me about whether the

practice is sound or not? This is where you can
clearly link to your course materials to show a clear
understanding of how your courses link to your
practice.

Reconstruct: How might I view / do things How has my thinking changed? The art of
differently? reflection must engage thought. You must
consider how your thinking has shifted in some
way. If it hasn’t, go back and explore the confront
section. Perhaps more research is needed.

In what way can I improve my own learning or

success in this area? What do I need to do next?
Remember that reflection is designed to develop
your practice and support your journey. Develop
some clear points in regards to how you intend to
move forward on your journey.

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