Borton’s reflective model uses three questions: What? So what? Now what? The questions are associated with Terry Borton and his 1970 book Reach, Touch, and Teach: Student Concerns and Process Education. They offer a starting structure for describing an experience, examining its meaning, and planning a response. A useful reflection still needs evidence and careful analysis; completing three headings does not guarantee improvement.
Understanding the Borton’s Model of Reflection 1970
The Borton Reflective Model is based on three key questions:
- What?
- So what?
- Now what?
These three questions guide individuals through a structured process of reflection, starting with a description of the experience, followed by an exploration of its significance, and concluding with action-oriented insights. The model is designed to help individuals break down complex experiences into manageable components, making it easier to extract learning and apply it in future contexts.
1. What?
The first question, What?, encourages individuals to describe the situation in objective terms. Record the events, your actions and what you observed. You can identify your feelings too, but distinguish them from facts and from assumptions about other people. The goal here is to provide a clear, factual account of the experience to establish a baseline for further reflection.
2. So What?
The second question, So what?, prompts individuals to explore the meaning and significance of the experience. This phase encourages deeper thinking about how the experience affected them, what they learned from it, and what insights they gained. It’s a chance to consider the emotional, intellectual, and practical implications of the experience and how it might change one’s perspective.
3. Now What?
The final question, Now what?, turns reflection into action. This phase focuses on how to apply the insights gained from the previous steps to future situations. It encourages individuals to think about how their behavior, attitude, or approach will change based on the learning they have gained. Specify an action, a time to try it, and an observable way to review whether it helped.
Why is the Borton Reflective Model Important?
The Borton Reflective Model is widely used in fields such as education, healthcare, and social work, where reflection plays a key role in professional development and continuous improvement. It offers a simple, accessible approach that can be applied to a wide range of situations, from personal experiences to workplace challenges.
One of the primary benefits of the Borton Model is its clarity and focus. The three simple questions help individuals structure their thinking and prevent them from getting lost in the complexities of the experience. By breaking down the process into distinct stages, individuals can more easily identify learning opportunities and develop actionable insights that can be applied in the future.
Moreover, the Borton Reflective Model is versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, from individual reflection to group discussions. Its straightforward nature makes it ideal for those who are new to reflective practice, while still offering value for seasoned professionals seeking to refine their practice.
How to Use the Bortons Model of Reflection
Using the Borton Reflective Model is simple. Here’s how you can apply it in any situation:
- Step 1: Describe the experience (What?)
Think about the event or situation you want to reflect on. What happened? Who was involved? What did you do? Make sure to provide a factual description without jumping to conclusions or making judgments. - Step 2: Analyze the significance (So What?)
Reflect on the meaning of the experience. How did it make you feel? What did you learn from it? Did it change your understanding of something? What insights can you draw from it? This phase is all about exploring the implications of the experience. - Step 3: Identify future actions (Now What?)
Based on your reflections, think about what changes you will make moving forward. How will you apply what you’ve learned in future situations? What will you do differently as a result of this experience?
By regularly using this model, you can turn everyday experiences into powerful learning opportunities.
A Worked Borton Reflection Example
Illustrative student example, written for this guide; not a real case study or a quotation from Borton.
What? Our four-person presentation ran six minutes over its ten-minute limit. I had added slides without telling the group, and we had practised our sections separately.
So what? The timing problem was not simply slow speaking. My unannounced additions duplicated another person’s material, and separate rehearsals hid the overlap. I need feedback from the group before deciding which material to cut.
Now what? For our next presentation I will agree a shared outline, freeze slide additions one day before rehearsal, and time a complete run with everyone present. We will check whether the full presentation fits ten minutes and whether every required point remains covered.
Strengths and Limitations
The short structure is easy to revisit, but a brief description can remain superficial. Ask what evidence supports your explanation, what another participant might see differently, and whether your proposed action addresses the actual problem. Follow your assignment requirements rather than treating this model as a universal template.
For comparison, see our overview of reflective models and Rolfe reflective model guide. Choose the approach that fits the task rather than assuming one model is always best.
Applications of the Borton Reflective Model
The Borton Reflective Model is especially useful in fields that require continuous professional development. For example:
- In Education: Teachers can use the model to reflect on classroom interactions, teaching methods, and student engagement to improve their teaching practices.
- In Healthcare: Healthcare professionals can reflect on patient care experiences to identify areas for improvement and enhance patient outcomes.
- In Personal Development: The model can be used for self-reflection, helping individuals assess personal goals, challenges, and progress.
In all these fields, the Borton Reflective Model can lead to better decision-making, enhanced learning, and improved performance.
Conclusion
The Borton Reflective Model is a valuable tool for fostering critical thinking, self-awareness, and personal development. By systematically reflecting on experiences through the What? So What? Now What? framework, individuals can gain deeper insights, learn from their experiences, and apply their knowledge to improve their future practice. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone looking to improve your self-reflection, this model provides a clear and effective path for growth.
References
- Borton, T. (1970). Reach, touch, and teach: Student concerns and process education. McGraw-Hill. Book record.
- University of Edinburgh. What? So what? Now what? Reflection Toolkit. This guide explains the three-question approach and its later adaptations.
Q&A
What is Borton’s Model of Reflection?
Borton’s Model of Reflection is a framework designed to guide individuals through a process of reflective practice. It involves answering three key questions: What? So What? Now What? These questions help individuals describe an experience, explore its significance, and identify actionable insights for future behavior.
What Does ‘So What Now What’ Reflective Model Borton Reference?
The term “So What Now What” refers to the middle and final stages of Borton’s model of reflection. After describing an experience (What?), individuals explore the meaning and impact of that experience (So What?) and then determine how to apply their learning moving forward (Now What?).
What Model of Reflection Does Driscoll Use?
Driscoll developed an adaptation of the three-question approach associated with Borton. The University of Edinburgh’s Reflection Toolkit also discusses later work by Rolfe and colleagues. Cite the author and source you actually used rather than treating all versions as the same publication. For examples of the 1994 article reference in APA 7 and Harvard, see our guide to referencing Driscoll’s model.
What is the Most Popular Reflective Model?
There is no single best model for every assignment or situation. Borton’s short structure may suit a focused reflection, while another framework may better match your course requirements. Select a model for its fit and explain your reasoning; popularity alone does not establish suitability.
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