How to Write a Reflective Essay: Format, Tips and Examples.
In scientific terms reflection is seen as light, heat or sound striking a surface to give off a reflection (Darlene 2006). Reflection is also seen as philosophical understanding of how one can gain knowledge through experience and use different approaches to the same scenario (ref).
A reflective essay is a very personal writing. An author can create such a paper after analyzing an aspect from the outside world, after acquiring new information that needs to be shared in a subjective way. Often times, a reflective essay is a portrait of the author himself, describing his own beliefs through writing.
Reflective thinking. Reflection is: a form of personal response to experiences, situations, events or new information. a 'processing' phase where thinking and learning take place. There is neither a right nor a wrong way of reflective thinking, there are just questions to explore. Figure 1 shows that the reflective thinking process starts with.
The experiential cycle proposed may not be a good fit for all reflective situations, and may also require articulation with another reflection-centric approach for it to be meaningful. In addition, the separation between stages in the cycle may be artificial, and not mirror actual experiences where multiple aspects of the learning cycle may be encountered simultaneously (Pickles and Greenaway.
A reflective journal is an account of your work in progress, but more essentially an opportunity for reflection on the learning experience. It should provide you with a means of engaging critically and analytically with module content.
A very important aspect of reflective learning is that it is a process in which we can learn about ourselves. Gibbs’ reflective cycle identifies 6 stages of reflection which help students to make sense of their learning experiences. In higher education and graduate employment high value is placed on the skill of being a reflective learner.
Reflective Practice is the foundation of professional development; it makes meaning from experience and transforms insights into practical strategies for personal growth and organisational impact. It involves integrating activities into daily life on a routine basis which raise awareness, prompt critical.