Miss
BLDE604 March 2012
Reflective Writing: guidance
Introduction
Reflective writing is a way of turning 'surface' learning into 'deep' learning. In summary, reflective writing: 1. is not just a descriptive account of something event – it shows analysis 2. explores motives, including the perspectives of others, and considers them against the author’s own 3. explores how reactions relate to behaviour 4. question ideas, considers them in depth 5. includes other (potentially critical) perspectives as well as your own: it requires you to ‘stand back’ from the event 6. mentions external information and how it impacted on behaviour 7. links ideas together 8. recognises that the personal frame of reference can change according to the emotional state in which it is written, the gaining of new information, the review of ideas and the effect of time passing
Reflective writing: the processes
Reflective writing is associated with higher levels of learning. Developing reflective skills will help you gain clearer perspective of yourself which means clearer identification of your learning strengths and of those areas that require some more work.
▪ Analysis of experiences enables further learning
▪ Critical thinking is encouraged so writing skills are improved
▪ Independent learning is facilitated
▪ Recognition of mistakes enhances professional competence
This involves two main processes:
1. Reflection in Action = recognising when something new is happening which may cause a change or shift in thinking. This reflection may include:
▪ Recognition of something different or surprising
▪ Review of a problem
▪ Seeking extra information from tutor/literature/colleagues
▪ Re-appraisal of previous solutions
2. Reflection on Action is thinking about something that has happened in the past and reviewing the way in which you dealt with it. This could
Reflective Writing: guidance
Introduction
Reflective writing is a way of turning 'surface' learning into 'deep' learning. In summary, reflective writing: 1. is not just a descriptive account of something event – it shows analysis 2. explores motives, including the perspectives of others, and considers them against the author’s own 3. explores how reactions relate to behaviour 4. question ideas, considers them in depth 5. includes other (potentially critical) perspectives as well as your own: it requires you to ‘stand back’ from the event 6. mentions external information and how it impacted on behaviour 7. links ideas together 8. recognises that the personal frame of reference can change according to the emotional state in which it is written, the gaining of new information, the review of ideas and the effect of time passing
Reflective writing: the processes
Reflective writing is associated with higher levels of learning. Developing reflective skills will help you gain clearer perspective of yourself which means clearer identification of your learning strengths and of those areas that require some more work.
▪ Analysis of experiences enables further learning
▪ Critical thinking is encouraged so writing skills are improved
▪ Independent learning is facilitated
▪ Recognition of mistakes enhances professional competence
This involves two main processes:
1. Reflection in Action = recognising when something new is happening which may cause a change or shift in thinking. This reflection may include:
▪ Recognition of something different or surprising
▪ Review of a problem
▪ Seeking extra information from tutor/literature/colleagues
▪ Re-appraisal of previous solutions
2. Reflection on Action is thinking about something that has happened in the past and reviewing the way in which you dealt with it. This could