reflective assignment introduction

Introducing reflection as an assignment. Using reflective assignments can be a great way of synthesising learning and challenging the status quo. This page outlines some of the things to keep in mind when posing reflective assignments.

• Reflection is an exploration and an explanation of events – not just a description of them. • Genuinely reflective writing often involves ‘revealing’ anxieties, errors and weaknesses, as well as strengths and successes.

You may be asked to write reflectively for an assignment. There are many models of reflection. This handout provides basic generic guidance for reflective writing, and it is therefore vital that you follow any guidelines you may have been given to meet your course requirements.

Reflective essays are a type of personal essay in which the writer examines a topic through the lens of their unique perspective. Reflective essays are more subjective about their subjects than an academic essay, use figurative language, and don’t require academic sources.

Reflection offers you the opportunity to consider how your personal experiences and observations shape your thinking and your acceptance of new ideas. Professors often ask students to write reading reflections. They do this to encourage you to explore your own ideas about a text, to express your opinion rather than summarize the opinions of others.

Introduction 1. First, identify and briefly explain the text or experience. 2. The next step would be to indicate your reaction to the text or experience. 3. Finally, you will end with a thesis statement. Your purpose for writing the reflection should be clear to your readers.

Reflective writing assignments can be in the form of a single paper, essays, portfolios, journals, diaries, or blogs. In some cases, your professor may include a reflective writing assignment as a way to obtain student feedback that helps improve the course, either in the moment or for when the class is taught again.

Reflective essays are designed to stimulate your learning by asking you to think about (“reflect on”) what you learned from a particular text, event, or experience. The process of thinking consciously about your learning deepens and reinforces that learning. Setting Yourself Up to Reflect.

In reflective writing, you are usually asked to share your experiences in relation to something–a perspective in a text, learning about writing, the first-year experience, a summer internship, etc. When introducing this focal point, make sure you fully explain it.

Reflective assignments can take many forms, so you need to understand exactly what your instructor is asking you to do. Some reflective assignments are short, just a paragraph or two of unpolished writing.