Brookfield's Four Lenses
Updated 2026-08-09
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
Proposed by Stephen Brookfield in 1995, this framework examines teaching practice through four different lenses. The autobiographical lens reflects on one's own experience as a learner and teacher. The students' eyes lens views teaching from the students' perspective. The colleagues' perceptions lens gathers peer observation and feedback. The theoretical literature lens draws on educational theory and research. Together the four lenses cross-check one another, preventing any single subjective reading from dominating and bringing the teacher closer to the actual reality of classroom practice.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Cross-check views: compare self-account, student views, peer feedback and theory before concluding. - Expose blind spots: deliberately use the lens you most often ignore to see what habit hides. - Ground practice in literature: test lived experience against published theory and research findings.
Anchor fast decisions
Built on multi-perspective critical reflection. The four lenses of autobiography, students, colleagues and theory intersect with one another, so no single subjective reading can dominate and the truth of the practice emerges.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflective_practiceverified
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