Reflective reports are written to explain your experiences concisely and informally. They should be written like short essays and be structured as separate sections. Unlike articles, however, reports are more practical and should focus on lessons learned. The descriptions of situations and feelings should be brief, and the main lessons learned should be expressed and applied in the future.
Writing a reflective report
The introduction to a reflective report should explain what the topic is about. It should also summarise what you learned through a certain activity. Then, in your body paragraphs, provide at least three points supporting your opinion. You can include arguments for and against each method. Finally, it would help if you connected back to the audience.
Reflective reports are different from other kinds of academic assignments. Instead of presenting a researcher’s viewpoint, students present their own. They must also provide evidence to support their arguments. While some students enjoy writing this type of paper, others find it challenging. Not everyone can formulate opinions on various topics, and so seeking help is important.
Paragraphs should be three to eight sentences long. They should be structured like small essays. They should also emphasise the lessons learned. It’s important to provide enough details to help the reader envision the setting or experience. The points can range from the visual appearance of a scene to the sounds and general ambience.
Examples
A reflective report can be structured using several different models. While Gibb’s reflective cycle is an example of one of these models, it is not the only one that applies to this type of writing. You may also consider Kolb’s model, which is much more compact. The overall goal of a reflective report is to examine the process and outcome of a specific event, activity, or process, and then to apply the learning to future practice.
Reflective reports generally include three parts: context description, analysis, and conclusions. There is no set proportion for these three parts, but remember that the learning process occurs during the latter two stages. Therefore, describe the context briefly but include details that make the reader feel they are living in the setting.
Structure
When writing a reflective report, there are a few rules to follow. It is important to keep the report concise, with each section having a clear purpose. The content should focus on lessons learned. Typically, the first part of the report should describe the event and the methods you used. The second part of the report should evaluate the experience by considering what you learned, how you responded, and what you would do differently next time.
The introduction is usually the most difficult part of the report, so it is advisable to write it last. Reflective reports generally follow a more structured format than essays, with sub-headings and section headings. The structure may vary by assignment, but it should follow the assignment guidelines.
Tips
A reflective report is a great way to express what you learned in a specific situation. It can be written in a five-paragraph essay structure or in a format like the Gibbs Reflection Cycle. In either case, there are some tips you should follow in order to create a good structure for your reflective report.
First, you should be as specific as possible. This means that you should name two main things you learned and how you plan to use your learning in the future. For example, if you studied conflict resolution in school, you can use the new skills you learned in the workplace.
Samples
The structure of a reflective report is a critical component of the writing process. It must demonstrate critical analysis and thoughtful reflection. There are many different models for reflective writing. While Gibb’s reflection cycle is widely used, Kolb’s version is more concise. The structure of a reflective report should be a reflection of the student’s experiences.
Reflective report structure should include separate sections, each with a distinct purpose. Rather than discussing complex theories, a reflective report should focus on the lessons learned.
Author Bio
Owen Ingram is a research-based content writer, who works for Cognizantt, a globally recognised professional SEO service and Research Prospect, a Servizio di redazione di saggi e dissertazioni. Mr Owen Ingram holds a PhD degree in English literature. He loves to express his views on a range of issues including education, technology, and more.
