Rethinking reflective practice: John Boyd's OODA loop as an alternative to Kolb. Issue 3 (November 2022) - Ryder, Mike
Abstract: The world is changing and business schools are struggling to keep up. Theories of reflective practice developed by the likes of Schon (1983), Gibbs (1988), Driscoll (1994, 2007) and Kolb (1984, 2015) are outdated and unfit for current purposes. Problems include the chronology of events, the orientation of the observer, the impact of external inputs, and the fact that neither education nor the workplace follow a structured, linear path. In response to these challenges, we propose a new 'solution': John Boyd's OODA loop. We argue that OODA loops offer the chance to reshape reflective practice and work-based learning for a world in which individuals must cope with 'an unfolding evolving reality that is uncertain, ever changing and unpredictable' (Boyd, 1995, slide 1). By embracing the philosophy of John Boyd and his OODA loop theory, business schools can develop greater resilience and employability in graduates, preparing them to embrace change while also embedding the concept of life-long learning to make them better equipped to face the uncertainty that the modern world brings. Highlights: Current theories of reflective practice are outdated and unfit for purpose. OODA loops offer a new way of thinking about teaching and learning. Orientation is key, and helps shape how we observe and respond to events. OODA loops can help develop critical self-reflection and resilience in graduates. This paper offers practical tips and suggestions for applying OODA in practice.