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Learning outcomes

  • define reflective writing
  • distinguish reflection from narration
  • identify experience, response, and insight
  • structure a basic reflective paragraph

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What is reflective writing?

  • Reflective writing looks back at an event, idea, or experience and explains:
    • what happened
    • what was felt or understood
    • what was learned
    • what may change in future

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Reflection is not only summary

  • Summary: reports events
  • Reflection: interprets meaning and learning
Example:
  • Summary: “I gave a presentation in class.”
  • Reflection: “I gave a presentation in class and realized preparation affects confidence more than talent.”

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Basic structure

  1. Event or context
  2. Personal response
  3. Lesson learned
  4. Future improvement or conclusion

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Language features

  • first person is often acceptable: I learned, I realized, I understood
  • use thoughtful verbs:
    • noticed
    • realized
    • understood
    • improved
    • questioned

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Exam hints and traps

  • Reflection should go beyond “I felt happy/sad.”
  • Do not turn reflective writing into a dry report.
  • Lessons should connect logically to the event.
  • Future response makes the piece stronger.

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Quick practice

  1. Turn this into reflective writing: “I missed a deadline.”
  2. Identify the lesson in: “I discovered that planning early reduces stress.”
  3. Add one future-action sentence to a reflection on teamwork.
Answer key:
  1. Example: “When I missed a deadline, I realized poor planning affects both quality and confidence.”
  2. planning early reduces stress
  3. Example: “In future group work, I will divide tasks earlier and review progress regularly.”