Reflective Writing Dr Sarah Maddock With Thanks to Jenny Moon University of Gloucestershire Business School
Some Vocabulary on Reflection
Reflection Reflective Learning Reflective Writing Reflective Practice Harry Potter and the pensieve! One simply siphons the excess thoughts from ones mind, pours them into the basin, and examines them at ones leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form. (Source; Dumbledore. Goblet of Fire)
University of Gloucestershire Business
Reflection in an Academic Context
Generally reflection is a complex but unstructured concept with no specific solution or outcome In an academic context reflection is more structured
Reflection/reflective learning is likely to involve a
conscious and stated purpose for the reflection, with an outcome that is specified in terms of learning, action or clarification. The academic reflection may be preceded y a description of the purpose and/or the subject matter of the reflection. The process and outcome of the reflective work is most likely to be in a represented (e.g. written) form and can be seen by others and to be assessed. These factors can affect its nature and quality.
University of Gloucestershire Business
What does Reflection Include
It is a stage of development in an individuals work It includes an account of the experience of doing the work It includes both positive and negative aspects of the work It facilitates the finding and discussion of value It can identify ways forward It can provide links to other learning and show how to develop in the future It identifies the requirements and resources needed for learning It helps to apply learning skills to new situations University of Gloucestershire Business
The Development of Reflection
There are shifts From descriptive to reflective account From no questions to questions to responding to questions Emotional influence is recognised and then handled increasingly effectively There is a standing back from the event Self questioning, challenge to own ideas Recognition of relevance of prior experience Taking into account others views Metacognition review of own reflective processes (learning how to learn)
University of Gloucestershire Business
Some Journal/Reflective Writing Techniques
Provide intellectual space stop and think Structure reflection with questions Dialogue techniques Work with others Use discussion integrated with time for reflection