Why reflective writing?

Susan Hughes, ACE - Why is reflective writing important for your studies at university?

Reflective thinking and writing feature in many module specifications in the university. Reflection is a critical aspect of learning as it is a process that enables us to step back and consider the learning gained from our actions and the actions of others. The process of reflective writing requires you to review experiences objectively, to draw out key actions in those experiences and analyse them. This reflective process also enables you to connect your practice or experience with ideas and theories from academic study. In each discipline you will be learning what others have theorised in relation to your field of study. In reflective writing you can make connections between those theories and your experiences. In this reflective phase of study you can see how theory illuminates or challenges your actions; You can also draw on your practice to help you interpret and evaluate theories. This should help you gain new insights into the relevance of theory to your practice.

Mike Horswell, FET - Why is reflective writing important for your studies/at university?

It provides a way of integrating considerations of personal development into the technical and knowledge outcomes associated with the subjects you study.

It allows you to learn even when, from a subject perspective, your efforts are not as successful as you would have liked.

It can also help instill self-awareness and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

It is worth thinking about reflective practice as a professional skill that is as important as the skills that define your profession.