A Framework for Reflective Writing
This page is intended as a basic guide to a writing framework,
Use the following sub-headings to structure your writing:
Sub-heading |
Notes |
Description |
What are you going to reflect on: this may be an incident or an idea. |
Evaluation |
What was good or worked well? What was not good or did not work so well?
A tool which is sometimes useful here is a SWOT analysis.
Make judgements and explain how you arrived at these decisions. |
Analysis |
Explain any patterns or trends which can be identified from your evaluation.
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Conclusions |
What conclusions can you draw from your analysis? What might need to change? Include here any changes you could make in your own practice.
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Action strategies |
Formulate detailed action strategies for any changes to your own practice. SMART targets are useful here. |
SWOT analysis
Use a table to classify your evaluation, using brief words or bullet points.
Strengths * * * |
Weaknesses * * * |
Opportunities * * * |
Threats * * * |
SMART targets
The acronym stand for targets which are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-based.
Use the following headings in a table:
Specific Action |
Measurable - success indicator |
Attainable -who needs to give permission for the action? |
Realistic -is it within the scope of your job? |
Time -what is your target date? |
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Further information
Search the web for more details using the following phrases:
reflective writing
swot analysis
smart targets
I usually use Google, and sometimes using the same phrases to search for images can be very helpful. When you find a site or image which seems interesting, consider whether the source is suitable for academic work at your level, and make a note so you can list it correctly in your references.
Shirley Pickford, July 2007
(This is a draft page, not to be cited in BA LTR work)
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