2. Writing Reflective Reports
• The purpose of a reflective report is to help
you learn from a particular practical
experience. It will help you make
connections between what you are taught in
theory and what you need to practice. You
reflect so that you can learn.
3. Writing Reflective Reports
• In reflective writing, you are trying to write
down some of the thinking that you have
been through while carrying out a particular
practical activity, such as writing an essay,
teaching a class, or treating a patient.
Through reflection, you should be able to
make sense of what you did and why, and
perhaps help yourself do it better next time.
4. Writing Reflective Reports
• Your written reflection will also serve as a
source of reference and evidence in the
future.
5. Writing Reflective Reports
Let us assume that you are reflecting on
something you have done in class.
• You will probably start by describing what
you did.
• You may then want to write about exactly
how you did the activity, what methods you
used.
• You might then want to evaluate your
performance. How well did you do?
6. Writing Reflective Reports
• In order to do this, you need to consider
what you have been taught. You may want
to describe what the experts say.
• You may then need to consider your
reactions. How did/do you feel?
• You might finish by considering how you
would do it next time.
10. Writing Reflective Reports
Reflection on
action
Report of what was
good/bad, easy difficult,
pleasant/unpleasant,
successful/unsuccessful, etc
Comparison and contrast of
your experiences
Explanation as to why.
11. Writing Reflective Reports
Reflection on
teaching
Report of what you have
been taught.
Description of what you
know.
12. Writing Reflective Reports
Connections
Evaluation of your practice,
drawing on your knowledge
and experience.
13. Writing Reflective Reports
Identification of
any gaps
Description of any gaps in
your knowledge.
Explanation of how you can
fill them.
14. Writing Reflective Reports
Action plan
Production of action plan for
future (learning + practice).
Justification of action plan.