Reflective Writing

How to Begin

Some writing assignments ask you to reflect on or critique something (such as a clinical experience, an article, an active learning experience, a theatre performance, or a case study). Note that a reflection assignment may differ from one course to the other, so look to your instructor’s guidelines around writing reflections. The following is a simple description that you can use to get you started in writing reflections.

What?

• What happened?
• Who was involved?
• Any relevant details.

 So What?

• What is the most important/interesting/relevant/useful aspect of the event/idea/ situation?
• How can it be explained?
• How is it similar to/different from others?

Now What?

• What have I learned?
• How I am going to apply this in the future?

This Reflective Journal Writing Tips video from the Learning Curve might help you get started. This video of a sample reflection may also be helpful.