What is reflection?

• Evidence of standing back from the event
• A willingness to be critical of action or self
• Recognition and consideration of events from other perspectives
• An activity that helps us solve problems
• Helps us learn from experiences
• The key to taking control of our own learning
• Actively engaging in reflection we will become better learners
• Helps us take control of our own learning
• Drawing on our experiences, emotions, beliefs, expectations and other sources of knowledge
• A way of considering solutions to problems

What is NOT reflection?

• Descriptive narrative
• Pathetic, whining … (Narrator views himself as a victim)
• Consideration of events from only one other perspectives
• Dismissal of others opinions and viewpoints
• Singly used – must be followed through with an action plan

Account 1

Reflective – Their account with meeting with Pam, their description (Paragraph 1) Feedback received on the essay (Paragraph 2) Reflecting that last year was a better year academically (Paragraph 3)

Becoming reflective – An action plan as how to improve to prevent returning to the same job (Paragraph 1) Going to Tim to have a look at his essays in order to improve theirs (Paragraph 2) Identifying that making the birth of the baby is the problem and an action plan is needed to work around this (Paragraph 3)

Account 2

In account 2 the problems are reflected upon earlier in the piece of writing. Identifies himself that actions need to be made in order to tell Angie of the struggles he’s facing. Clearly identifies that it was after the birth of the baby that problems started to arise. Agrees to meet with Tim and also considers referring to a study support worker for help.

I believe Account 2 demonstrated more reflection but not only reflection it also displayed action plans to each of the problems identified.

Account 3

Account 3 displays more reflection than Account 1 – In Account 3 he wrote down notes on how to improve essays (action plan). In Account 3 he also states that he will write a list of things that Pam requires from an essay now and work on them until they are achieved.

Reflective writing should identify the problems then follow through with an action plan. Problems should be throughly identified and the  plan of action should be well structured and carried through in order to improve.