Definition
In learner-centered assessment, to think back carefully over an experience or performance in order to identify what happened, why it happened, what was learned, and what should be changed or repeated next time.
Plain English
To look back at what you just did and think honestly about it — what worked, what didn't, and what you would do differently.
Context Anchor
Used in flight training debriefs, learner-centered assessment, and post-flight discussions after a maneuver, lesson, or decision.
Derivation
From the Latin reflectere, meaning 'to bend back.' The idea is mentally 'bending back' to look at an experience again, rather than just moving on from it.
Why Pilots Care
Helps pilots and students recognize patterns in their performance, reduce repeated errors, and develop stronger judgment over time.
Intuition Check
Reflect does not mean simply remembering something or feeling bad about a mistake. In this context, it means deliberately looking back at performance to learn from it.
Example Sentence 1
After the lesson, the instructor asked the student to reflect on the approach and identify what caused the high flare.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots who regularly reflect on their approaches tend to improve their energy management more quickly.