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Reflecting at University - Key Learning Points

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Reflective Practice
Key Learning Points

Essential insights for developing critical self-awareness and analytical skills

info Transform your learning through structured reflection. Develop the critical self-awareness and analytical skills essential for academic success and professional growth in British higher education.
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Core Reflection Concepts

Reflective Practice

A structured process of learning through experience that helps you make sense of and draw insights from events to improve for the future

Action Plan

A specific plan outlining steps to improve performance or address identified issues based on reflective analysis

Metacognition

Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes and learning strategies - 'thinking about thinking'

Self-Awareness

Understanding of one's own personality, strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence

Academic Resilience

The ability to adapt to, cope with, and recover from academic challenges and setbacks

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Rolfe's Reflection Framework

1

What?

Start by describing the experience. What happened? Who was involved? What did you do?

  • Create a clear, factual account of events
  • Focus on description without judgement
  • Include relevant context and details
  • Avoid analysis at this stage
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2

So What?

This is the analysis stage. So what does this mean? How did you feel? What was the significance?

  • Analyse what happened and why
  • Explore your thoughts and feelings
  • Consider the significance of the event
  • Move beyond description to understanding
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3

Now What?

This is the action-planning stage. Now what will you do differently in the future?

  • Identify what you would do differently
  • Plan specific next steps
  • Apply what you have learned
  • Transform reflection into future improvement
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Reflection Approaches Comparison

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Surface Reflection

  • fiber_manual_record Simply recounting what happened
  • fiber_manual_record Lacks deeper examination or critical thought
  • fiber_manual_record Produces narrative without analysis
  • fiber_manual_record Focuses on 'what' rather than 'why' or 'how'
  • fiber_manual_record Limited learning and development potential
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Deep Reflection

  • fiber_manual_record Analyses experiences to understand significance
  • fiber_manual_record Explores thoughts, feelings, and implications
  • fiber_manual_record Asks probing 'why' and 'how' questions
  • fiber_manual_record Leads to actionable insights and improvement
  • fiber_manual_record Develops self-awareness and critical thinking
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Benefits of Reflective Practice

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Enhanced Learning

Develops deeper learning through connecting new information with existing knowledge and building metacognitive awareness

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Improved Assessment Outcomes

Essential for reflective essays, learning logs, and portfolios. Helps meet marking criteria and achieve graduate attributes

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Personal Development

Builds self-awareness, academic resilience, and autonomous learning capabilities for personal growth

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Career Preparation

Develops employability skills and prepares for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements in many UK professions

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Practical Reflection Strategies

Getting Started

  • check_circle Start a reflective journal or blog
  • check_circle Set aside 10-15 minutes after learning events
  • check_circle Use structured reflection models
  • check_circle Focus on consistency over length

Overcoming Challenges

  • check_circle Move beyond simple description to analysis
  • check_circle Frame insights constructively for growth
  • check_circle Ask 'why' and 'how' questions, not just 'what'
  • check_circle Seek tutor guidance when uncertain
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Expected Outcomes

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Critical Thinking Development

Ability to clearly articulate not just what you have learned, but how you have learned it and why it is important

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Theory-Practice Integration

Ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, applying academic concepts to real-world situations

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Enhanced Adaptability

Demonstrates adaptability and commitment to personal and professional growth essential for future career success