This paper presents the model of “reflective practice” according to D. Schön’s conception, with special regard to the phenomenon of simultaneous thinking in action, which was applied in the implementation of a pilot postgraduate study program for the future managing staff of penitentiary units. The author describes theoretical sources of inspiration for the training of officers to the profile of professional competence defined as the “Reflective Practitioner”. The presented approaches to education and training are based on the trend of reflective practice methodology that could be quickly implemented in daily professional practice of experienced and newly trained prison service officers.
The article presents one of the aspects of the implementation of a pilot postgraduate study program for the management of penitentiary units. It discusses the assumptions made when designing a model of management in action based on reflective practice. The presented approach to education and professional development results from the necessity to apply dynamic security in penitentiary units. The aspects mentioned in the article are a consequence of adjusting the work organization in penitentiary units to international law. The role of reflective practice for the effective transformation of the prison system in Poland is emphasized. The results are obtained in qualitative research investigating students esteems for the first edition of the management program expressed in a discussion forum. Based on gathering and assessing more than 500 records, it can be emphasized appreciation of the role of reflection in professional practice of officers involved to provide security in penitentiary system. The function of the podcast is presented as a tool supporting the development of reflective practice in remote learning.