The DEEP Reflections Model: Reimagining Reflective Practice through Values, Inclusion, and Authenticity

Title:
The DEEP Reflections Model: Reimagining Reflective Practice through Values, Inclusion, and Authenticity

Authors:
Danny Clegg¹²³
¹ BPP University, United Kingdom
² London South Bank University, United Kingdom
³ National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP), United Kingdom
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0447-5711

Description / Abstract:
Reflective practice is a cornerstone of professional and academic development, yet traditional models often impose linguistic and structural barriers that disproportionately affect neurodivergent learners and those requiring written language adjustments.
The DEEP Reflections Model reimagines reflective practice through four inclusive stages — Describe, Explain, Extract, and Plan — designed to balance academic rigour with authenticity, empathy, and accessibility.

Developed at London South Bank University (LSBU) and implemented across healthcare and social care programmes since 2021, the model has demonstrated measurable improvements in reflective depth, emotional literacy, and learner engagement.
This expanded version introduces DEEP for Development, where reflection evolves into self-assessment, sustained growth, and conscious identity formation.

The paper also explores DEEP’s adaptability for use with Generative AI (GenAI), evidencing ethical integration that enhances reflection without automation. Rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and values-based pedagogy, DEEP positions reflection as a humanising act — one that prioritises inclusion, integrity, and authenticity in learning and professional development.

Version:
Preprint v1.0 (October 2025)

Keywords:
Reflective Practice; Inclusive Pedagogy; Universal Design for Learning; Accessibility; Neurodiversity; Higher Education; DEEP Model; Generative AI; Emotional Literacy; Professional Development; NADP; LSBU; JIPFHE; CPD

Publication Type:
Preprint / Working Paper

Related Identifiers:

• Related DOI (previous abstract): https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14421650

• ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0447-5711

Funding (optional):
Self-funded research, LSBU and BPP University reflective education development projects, supported by NADP (UK) inclusive pedagogy initiatives.

License:
Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Upload Files:

• (Publication Draft) The DEEP Reflections Model – Reimagining Reflective Practice through Values, Inclusion, and Authenticity.docx

• (Presentation Plan) The DEEP Reflections Model – Reimagining Reflective Practice through Values, Inclusion, and Authenticity.docx

• Supporting graphics:

  • DEEP Concept Art – Reflection.png

  • DEEP Concept Art – Development.png

  • DEEP Concept Art – Combined.png

Communities (suggested):

• Inclusive Education

• Higher Education Research

• Artificial Intelligence in Education

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

• Reflective Practice Network (UK)

Notes:
This preprint represents Version 1.0 of the DEEP Reflections Model manuscript and accompanying webinar materials. It will be updated following peer review and integration of verified institutional evaluation data. Readers are invited to cite this DOI in interim discussions, presentations, and teaching contexts.