Experience + reflection is the learning that lasts - Charles Handy

I am reading Charles Handy's book, 'Myself and other more important matters' (great title!). He describes a wonderful story about when he was in charge of a management programme for up and coming executives. He would start off by asking each of the participants to reflect on the most powerful learning experiences of the lives, so far. But never, in all the times he asked the question, did anyone mention a course of study. People always came up with accounts of, a brush with death of their own or someone close, or an occasion when they were overwhelmed and out of their depth, or of being stretched beyond their competence. 'So now you know' he would tell them, 'you will not count this course as one of your most memorable learning opportunities unless it helps you to reflect upon and understand the experiences you have had in the past. If it does it will enable you to deal better with the situations that lie ahead. Experience + reflection is the learning that lasts.'

Seems to me that this goes to the heart of what we are trying to encourage through the idea of lifewide learning and education. By encouraging and helping people think about what they are doing and how and why they are doing it in the different situations that make up their lives, we are helping people to make better sense of who they are and how they respond to situations, so that they are better prepared for the future.

So what would be one of your most memorable learning experiences and what role did reflection play in making it memorable?

Charles Handy