Writing a reflection

Summary

This video tutorial explains the concept of reflective writing, emphasizing its importance for deepening understanding of any subject matter. It clarifies that reflection is not a summary but a personal response to what has been read or experienced. The video offers practical tips for writing reflections, such as expressing agreement or disagreement with reasons, and making personal connections to the material. It also provides an example of non-reflective versus reflective writing and encourages viewers to download a document for practice, concluding with the suggestion to balance description with personal thoughts and feelings in reflective writing.

Takeaways

• 📝 Reflective writing is a form of writing where you express your thoughts and feelings about a subject rather than summarizing it.
• 💡 It helps deepen understanding by making connections to what you already know.
• 📚 Teachers and others ask for reflections to enhance comprehension of what you've read or seen.
• 🤔 Reflective writing is not a description paper; it's about conveying your feelings and thoughts on a topic.
• 👀 The reader of your reflection has usually seen the same content, so there's no need to describe it in detail.
• 🗣️ Start your reflection by expressing surprise, agreement, disagreement, or a personal connection to the content.
• 🔍 Always explain why you agree or disagree, and delve into personal reactions or memories related to the content.
• 👁️ Discuss predictions about what might happen next in a story or your thoughts on a character's actions.
• 🏠 Reflect on how the content made you feel, changed your thinking, or prompted a reaction.
• 📖 Don't spend too much time describing or summarizing; focus on your feelings and thoughts about the subject.
• 📝 Use the provided document from 'love your pencil calm' to practice and assess your reflective writing skills.

Q & A

What is reflective writing?

Reflective writing, also known as writing a reflection, is a process where you write your thoughts about something rather than summarizing or describing the thing itself. It helps in gaining a deeper understanding of what you have read, seen, or experienced by making connections to what you already know.

Why are teachers and others asking students to write reflections?

Teachers and others ask students to write reflections because it aids in improving comprehension and understanding of the material. It encourages students to think critically and make connections between the content and their own knowledge or experiences.

How does reflective writing differ from a description paper?

Reflective writing differs from a description paper in that it focuses on the writer's feelings, thoughts, and reactions to a subject, rather than providing an objective description of the subject itself.

What is the purpose of writing a reflection on a video, book, or article?

The purpose of writing a reflection on a video, book, or article is to express how the content made you feel, what you think about it, and to explore your reactions and connections to the material.

Why is it unnecessary to describe or summarize the content in a reflection?

It is unnecessary to describe or summarize the content in a reflection because the reader, in most cases, has already seen the same video or read the same book or article, and thus is already familiar with the content.

What are some examples of statements that could be used to start a reflection?

Examples of statements to start a reflection include expressing surprise, agreement or disagreement with a character or idea, and explaining why, or mentioning how a scene or event reminded you of a personal experience.

How can predictions or hypothetical scenarios be incorporated into a reflection?

Predictions or hypothetical scenarios can be incorporated into a reflection by stating what you think might happen later in a book or what you would have done if you were in a particular situation described in the content.

What is the difference between a descriptive statement and a reflective statement about a picture?

A descriptive statement about a picture simply states what is visible, like 'A man is sitting in a chair,' whereas a reflective statement might express feelings or thoughts, such as 'The picture makes me feel sad and I wonder how he will rebuild his life.'

How can the provided document from 'love your pencil calm' assist in writing reflections?

The document from 'love your pencil calm' provides a guide and exercises to help individuals practice writing reflections. It includes an assessment with a short story where readers can identify reflective sentences, helping them become more adept at reflective writing.

What is the balance between description and reflection in writing a reflection paper?

While it is advised not to spend too much time describing or summarizing in a reflection paper, some description or summary is necessary to provide context for your feelings and thoughts. The main focus, however, should be on expressing your reactions and insights about the subject.