LibGuides: Reading & Writing: Reflective Learning

Development of Student Skills in Reflective Writing

This is an academic paper reproduced here with the kind permission of the author, Terry King of Portsmouth University.

Learning Journal

A guide from the University of Bradford on how to keep a learning journal to reflect on your personal development (for example, during a placement).

Reflective Writing Workshop Recording

This workshop is suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and includes:

How to identify the differences between descriptive and reflective writing
How to describe the main characteristics and rules of reflective writing
Understanding how to apply your learning context to your reflective work

Activity 1
This activity will help you to understand the difference between descriptive and reflective text.
Activity 2
An exercise to test your knowledge of the differences between descriptive and reflective writing
Activity 3
Try writing your own reflective text
Activity 4
Use this activity to link your reflective writing to published sources

Video - Reflective Writing

Skills Team University of Hull, 2014. Reflective writing [online, video]. YouTube. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1eEPp5VSIY [Accessed 17 August 2020].

Thinking and Writing Reflectively

A short course from the University of Hull on thinking and writing reflectively. It is divided into three sections:

Introduction to reflection - what is reflection and why should we do it?
Reflective writing - what is reflective writing in an academic context?
Reflective assessments - essays, portfolios and learning journals.

Introduction to Reflective Writing

A basic introduction to reflective writing from Portsmouth University, including a list of words and phrases to use in reflective writing.

Reflection in Higher Education Learning by Jenny Moon

An interesting paper on reflective learning in higher education written by Jenny Moon

Useful Books

Reflective Writing [E-book] by Kate Williams; Mary Woolliams; Jane Spiro
ISBN: 9780230377257
Publication Date: 2012
Packed with practical advice, this concise guide explains what reflective writing is and how to approach it. It provides students with all the key information and strategies they need to develop an appropriate reflective writing style, whatever their subject area. Annotated examples from a range of disciplines and contexts show students how to put these tips into practice. It also includes a section on applying reflective practices to personal development and career planning. This handy guide is an indispensable resource for students of all disciplines and levels, who are required to develop and demonstrate reflective qualities in their work. It will be particularly useful to students writing reflective logs on placements.
Becoming a Reflective Practitioner [E-book] by Christopher Johns (Editor)
ISBN: 9781119193937
Publication Date: 2017
A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning [Print book] by Jennifer A. Moon
ISBN: 9780415335157
Publication Date: 2004-06-15
This handbook acts as an essential guide to understanding and using reflective and experiential learning - whether it be for personal or professional development, or as a tool for learning. It takes a fresh look at experiential and reflective learning, locating them within an overall theoretical framework for learning and exploring the relationships between different approaches. As well as the theory, the book provides practical ideas for applying the models of learning.
Reflective Practice [Print book] by Gillie E. J. Bolton
ISBN: 144628235X
Publication Date: 2014-08-26
Reflection and reflexivity invite critical, sensitive examination of practice, exploration of principles, concepts and ideas, and development of thoughtful self-awareness. The Fourth Edition of this bestselling book explains how expressive and explorative writing, combined with in-depth group work or mentoring, can widen perspectives and give clarity of values, roles, and responsibilities.