What is a reflective assignment?
Reflective assignments can take many different forms and there will be differences between courses and between modules. An assignment might require you to reflect on your skills, or experiences, or both. It will generally (although not always) require you to use a reflective model. In the Resources box of this page you will find key sources of reflective models. Some of the conventions of academic writing are different for reflective assignments: It is generally acceptable to write in the first person (e.g. "My task was to..."), and you will be expected to draw upon your own experiences. Other things remain the same, for example you will usually still be expected to read around the subject and include references to the work of others.
How do I write a reflective assignment?
Because reflective assignments can vary so much, it is important that you fully understand the question and the assignment brief. Make sure you understand what you are being asked to write, what format you should submit your work in and if there is a specific reflective model that you need to use. If you are in any doubt then check with your lecturer. Sources for some of the key reflective models can be found in the 'Further Reading' section of this guide.
It can be difficult to balance the personal nature of reflection with the knowledge that what you write will be read by someone else. If you are struggling you may find it helpful to begin with a purely personal reflection using some of the tools on the other pages of this guide. You can then adapt your reflection to fit the requirements of your assignment.
Another challenging aspect can be including references to academic sources, as it can be difficult to see how these fit in to writing about your own personal experiences. Academic theories or research can be used to enhance your understanding of your experiences and help you make sense of what has happened. Again, it might be useful to begin with a personal reflection and then review this with an academic theory in mind, looking for ways that the theory could apply to your personal experience.
Developing Reflective Practice by
The ability to reflect on practice is a fundamental component of effective medical practice. In a sector increasingly focused on professionalism and patient-centred care, Developing Reflective Practice is a timely publication providing practical guidance on how to acquire the reflective skills necessary to become a successful clinician. This new title draws from a wide range of theoretical and practical multidisciplinary perspectives to assist students, practitioners and educators in embedding reflection in everyday activities. It also offers structures and ideas for more purposeful and meaningful formal reflections and professional development. Developing Reflective Practice: Focuses on the developing practitioner and their lifelong learning and the development of professional identity through reflection Provides practical how-to information for students, practitioners and educators, including realistic case examples and practice-based hints and tips Examines and explains the theoretical and conceptual approaches to reflective practice, including its models and frameworks.
Experiential Learning by
Experiential learning is a powerful and proven approach to teaching and learning that is based on one incontrovertible reality: people learn best through experience. Now, in this extensively updated book, David A. Kolb offers a systematic and up-to-date statement of the theory of experiential learning and its modern applications to education, work, and adult development. Experiential Learning, Second Edition builds on the intellectual origins of experiential learning as defined by figures such as John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, Jean Piaget, and L.S. Vygotsky, while also reflecting three full decades of research and practice since the classic first edition. Kolb models the underlying structures of the learning process based on the latest insights in psychology, philosophy, and physiology. Building on his comprehensive structural model, he offers an exceptionally useful typology of individual learning styles and corresponding structures of knowledge in different academic disciplines and careers. Kolb also applies experiential learning to higher education and lifelong learning, especially with regard to adult education. This edition reviews recent applications and uses of experiential learning, updates Kolb's framework to address the current organizational and educational landscape, and features current examples of experiential learning both in the field and in the classroom. It will be an indispensable resource for everyone who wants to promote more effective learning: in higher education, training, organizational development, lifelong learning environments, and online.
Reflective Practice by
Reflecting thoughtfully on your work is vital for improving your own self-awareness, effectiveness and professional development. This newly updated fifth edition of Gillie Bolton's bestselling book explores reflective writing as a creative and dynamic process for this critical enquiry. New to this edition: An expanded range of exercises and activities A new emphasis on using e-portfolios Further guidance on reflective writing assignments Enhanced discussion of reflection as a key employability skill Additional online resources This popular book has been used worldwide in various disciplines including education, social work, business and management, medicine and healthcare and is essential reading for students and professionals seeking to enhance their reflective writing skills and to examine their own practice in greater critical depth.
Alex and Tim discuss reflective writing, outlining their tips, some useful reflective models and tips from students. This video was recorded live during the Reflective Writing Livestream on the 14th October 2020.
