Approaching reflective writing
Reflective writing is writing which involves '… consideration of the larger context, the meaning, and the implications of an experience or action' (Branch & Paranjape, 2002, p. 1185). In medical and health science courses, you are required to demonstrate reflective thinking through your writing in order to learn from educational and practical experiences, and to develop the habit of critical reflection as a future health professional.
Reflective writing may be based on:
- description and analysis of a learning experience within the course, such as:
- a community placement
- a clinical placement
- a rural placement
- description and analysis of a past experience
- review of your learning or course
- description and analysis of a critical incident.
What is the role of reflection in the learning process?
Reflection plays an important role in the learning process. It prompts you to ask questions and think critically about experiences. This thinking leads to making sense of an experience through an analysis and interpretation of what has occured. When this interpretation is used to guide future decision making or action this process of making meaning becomes learning.
"Reflection is indicative of deep learning, and where teaching and learning activities such as reflection are missing… only surface learning can result." (Biggs, 1999, as cited in King, 2002)
Reflective writing tasks are given to students to help students learn through reflection, precisely because of the established link between reflection and deeper learning. As well as facilitating learning and monitoring learning, the intention is to develop graduates who have acquired the habit of reflection as a means of continuing to learn and grow in their professions. Reflection can lead to:
- personal growth
- professional growth
- meaningful change.
"Reflection leads to growth of the individual – morally, personally, psychologically, and emotionally, as well as cognitively". (Branch & Paranjape, 2002, p. 1187)
Reflection can help you to:
- better understand your strengths and weaknesses
- identify and question your underlying values and beliefs
- acknowledge and challenge possible assumptions on which you base your ideas, feelings and actions
- recognise areas of potential bias or discrimination
- acknowledge your fears, and
- identify possible inadequacies or areas for improvement.
Reflection can lead to greater self-awareness, which in turn is a first step contributing to positive change. It is a necessary stage in identifying areas for improvement and growth in both personal and professional contexts. Taking time to reflect can help you identify approaches that have worked well, and in that way reinforce good practice.
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