The Reflective Detective: A Mindset for Purposeful Learning

Abstract

The “Detective” metaphor adopted in SOCY 313/513 invites leaners to tap into their favourite detective’s mind-set as a tool for critical inquiry. It provides a conceptual link to critical pedagogy and reflective practice, encouraging learners to examine societal structures and reflect on their own positionality, to deepen understanding and response. The detective’s mindset, characterised by curiosity, rationalism, rigour and interpretive acuity, supports purposeful learning by scaffolding between lower and higher order thinking.