Introduction to reflection

Learning Outcomes

Reflection is a life-long learning tool that is useful for studying, working and living intentionally. It is based on the assumption that we can learn from our experiences.

Reflective writing is the considered recording of the thinking process of reflection. It is a method for turning lived experience into self-directed, personalised learning.

Reflection is proactive, and uses the mental processes involved in remembering, evaluating and writing to create deeper understanding of our past experiences & behaviour, with the intention of changing, and improving future outcomes.

To demonstrate an understanding of the connection between reflection and learning.
To demonstrate an awareness of the pros and cons of using reflective cycles, and differentiate between different cycles.
To demonstrate an early awareness of the role of critique in reflection.

Find out more on the next page: What is reflection and why do we reflect?

To navigate through this module, please click on the links in the menu on the right-hand side or if you are using a mobile phone these links will appear below.

Author(s): Emma Scanlan, with thanks to Marian McCormick 
& the University of Edinburgh Reflection Toolkit authors, 
Dr Gavin McCabe and Tobias Thejll-Madsen

Last updated: March 2022