At its core, a reflective essay prompts you to answer the question:
In so doing, reflective writing can stimulate students to question their beliefs about a research problem or an element of the course content beyond positivist modes of understanding and representation.
Embrace Vulnerability: Reflective essays thrive on vulnerability. Don't shy away from exploring moments of discomfort, doubt, or vulnerability, as they often pave the path to profound insight and growth.
The body should discuss in detail your development as a student. For instance, if writing a reflective essay at the end of the quarter for a certain class, how did you grow over the course of the class? What have you learned? Can you apply what you have learned to your future academic or life pursuits? How did you or did you not meet your goals or the goals of the class/project you were involved in? This is slightly different from what you should discuss in your introduction. Do not just tell the reader whether or not you met these goals. Rather, show the reader by using illustrations from class or other relevant experiences. Are there any skills you can improve on? If so, how do you plan on doing so in the future? Conclusion In the conclusion of a reflective essay, you should remind the reader of the ways in which you have developed as a student. This may seem redundant since you already discussed these things in detail in your essays body, but remember that the conclusion is the last thing your audience will read. As a result, leave no doubt in the readers mind that your essay clearly demonstrates how you have grown. Other Helpful Resources California State University provides might look like. St. Marys University of Minnesota gives a .
Here are the primary purposes of writing a reflective essay:
Be Authentic: Authenticity is the cornerstone of a compelling reflective essay. Embrace vulnerability and honesty, allowing your true voice to shine through the narrative.
Utilize Reflective Models: Drawing upon established reflective models such as Gibbs' Reflective Cycle or Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle can provide a structured framework for introspection, guiding the reflective process from experience to insight.
Conclude with Synthesis: Wrap up your essay by synthesizing the key learnings, insights, and takeaways from your reflection. Leave the reader with a sense of closure and contemplation as they ponder the implications of your narrative.
A reflective essay is a form of writing that examines and observes the progress of the writers individual experience. While reflective essays explain and analyze the development of the writer, they also discuss future goals. Reflective essays are often associated with academic portfolios and especially writing portfolios. As part of a writing portfolio, reflective essays will critically analyze your development as a student. This should include a discussion of the strengths you have developed as a writer as well as your weaknesses. Closely related to these weaknesses, writers could also discuss how they plan to improve in the future. When writing a reflective essay, it is important to use descriptive language. In doing so, your reader will understand that you are familiar with the subject matter and that you have thought critically about your development as a student. Reflective essays are based upon your own experiences, so it is expected that you write about yourself, your ideas, and your opinions. As a result, it is completely acceptable to use first person pronouns such as I or me in these essays. Since the reflective essay is built upon personal experience, the writer has the liberty of being as creative as necessary. At the same time, do not let a focus on creativity take precedence over the important task of proving to your reader how you have grown as a student.
I. Reflective Essay Introduction
Use Descriptive Language: Utilize vivid imagery and descriptive language to immerse the reader in your reflective journey. This helps convey the essence of your experience and emotions.
II. Reflective Essay Body Paragraphs
Typically, a reflection paper is around 250-800 words. However, the length can vary depending on your level of study and what you are studying.
III. Reflective Essay Conclusion
A reflection paper is a very common type of paper among college students. Almost any subject you enroll in requires you to express your opinion on certain matters. In this article, we will explain how to write a reflection paper and provide examples and useful tips to make the essay writing process easier.
The reflective essay serves two key purposes in your portfolio:
Including references in a reflection paper is not mandatory. However, if you want to support your arguments using secondary sources you can do so by citing them correctly within the reflection paper text and including a reference list at the end of the essay.
Reflective Essay Sample - Reflections on Reading a Book
Blend Narrative with Analysis: Unlike traditional essays, reflective essays merge personal storytelling with critical analysis. This fusion allows for a deeper exploration of your thoughts and emotions.
Reflective Essay Example - A Visit to a Historical Place
Among various , reflective essays stand out for being the most personal form of writing. Reflective writing lets you explore your thoughts and experiences about something and gain profound insights into yourself and the world around you.