How To Write A Reflective Essay
Reflective writing |
• To record, the development of your ideas and insights and their implications for practice
• To reflect on the content of the subject and on your own learning process • To analyse and discuss your responses to key concepts/issues from course work, reading, and/or practical placement, etc. |
Topic
Reflective writing |
• Often a response to an aspect of a course: e.g. class/ studio/ lab, practical placement (WIL), and/or readings
• Generally, focuses on a particular aspect of course content and its potential application to theory and/or practice |
audience
Reflective writing |
• Written for yourself as a record of a learning experience (although your lecturer is also the audience in an assessment task) |
Format
Reflective writing |
• No formal format requirements, but often dated in a journal to trace the development of ideas, insights and learning
• Usually no headings; may be separated into sections if it suits the purpose |
Style
Reflective writing |
• Standard written English, using paragraphs and complete sentences; use of ‘I’ is permitted
• May be subjective to reflect your responses and interpretations |
Assessment
Reflective writing |
• Success depends on demonstration of insights into the course content, and developing awareness of inter-relationships and implications of different aspects of course content |