PG Dissertation

Session 10. Reflection and

Reflective Writing
Dr Sarah Maddock
With Thanks to Jenny Moon
University of Gloucestershire Business School

Some Vocabulary on Reflection

Reflection
Reflective Learning
Reflective Writing
Reflective Practice
Harry Potter and the pensieve!
One simply siphons the excess thoughts from ones mind, pours
them into the basin, and examines them at ones leisure. It
becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand,
when they are in this form.
(Source; Dumbledore. Goblet of Fire)

University of Gloucestershire Business

Reflection in an Academic Context

Generally reflection is a complex but
unstructured concept with no specific solution
or outcome
In an academic context reflection is more
structured

Reflection/reflective learning is likely to involve a

conscious and stated purpose for the reflection,
with an outcome that is specified in terms of
learning, action or clarification.
The academic reflection may be preceded y a
description of the purpose and/or the subject
matter of the reflection.
The process and outcome of the reflective work is
most likely to be in a represented (e.g. written)
form and can be seen by others and to be assessed.
These factors can affect its nature and quality.

University of Gloucestershire Business

What does Reflection Include

It is a stage of development in an individuals work
It includes an account of the experience of doing
the work
It includes both positive and negative aspects of
the work
It facilitates the finding and discussion of value
It can identify ways forward
It can provide links to other learning and show how
to develop in the future
It identifies the requirements and resources needed
for learning
It helps to apply learning skills to new situations
University of Gloucestershire Business

The Development of Reflection

There are shifts
From descriptive to reflective account
From no questions to questions to
responding to questions
Emotional influence is recognised and then
handled increasingly effectively
There is a standing back from the event
Self questioning, challenge to own ideas
Recognition of relevance of prior experience
Taking into account others views
Metacognition review of own reflective
processes (learning how to learn)

University of Gloucestershire Business

Some Journal/Reflective Writing Techniques

Provide intellectual space stop
and think
Structure reflection with questions
Dialogue techniques
Work with others
Use discussion integrated with
time for reflection

University of Gloucestershire Business