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What is reflective writing?
Reflective writing is a genre and just like an essay has characteristics, so does reflective writing.
Reflective writing requires critical and analytic thought, a clear line of argument, and the use of evidence through examples of personal experiences and thoughts and often also theoretical literature.
Features of reflective writing
Reflective writing is a tool for learning and development. The writer reflects on their experiences or observations, identifies areas for improvement, and sets goals for future learning. Some of the features of academic reflective writing include:
Evidence-based: reflective writing is based on evidence from academic sources. The writer uses this evidence to support their reflections and analysis.
Structure: reflective writing has a clear structure, with an introduction, main body, and conclusion. The introduction sets out the purpose and scope of the reflection, the main body discusses the experiences or issues being reflected on, and the conclusion summarises the main points and identifies areas for future learning.
Use of academic language: reflective writing uses formal language and follows the conventions of academic writing. The writer uses appropriate vocabulary and avoids slang, contractions, or colloquial expressions.
Analysis and evaluation: reflective writing involves critical thinking and analysis. The writer reflects on their experiences or observations, identifies key issues or themes, and evaluates them in light of academic theories or frameworks.
How to reflect
Reflective writing should:
develop a line of argument
develop a link between your experience or practice and existing knowledge (theoretical or personal)
show recognition that your own understanding is likely incomplete and situations are rarely clear-cut and simplistic
show learning resulting from the reflection (either by discovering something new or confirming existing knowledge) and how you plan to use it
sometimes, but not always, use theoretical literature to inform your understanding.
Models of reflection
When writing reflectively, you need to use a model. There are six listed below. Click on each to find out more, and examples of each model in practice:
When writing reflectively, you need to use a model. There are six listed below. Click on each to find out more, and examples of each model in practice:
Want to know more? See the Study Skills Handbook, or Success in Academic Writing
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