Lesson 8.7: Reflective Writing on the Research Process

Introduction

In this lesson, students will learn about reflective writing and its significance in the context of the Extended Research Project. Reflective writing is crucial in higher education as it encourages learners to critically assess their experiences and frame their learning environments. It is especially important when engaging in research, as it enables students to understand their journey through the research cycle, from conception to execution.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the purpose of reflective writing and how it differs from descriptive writing.
• Reflect honestly on what went well, what was difficult, and what was learned during the research process.
• Utilize a reflective model (e.g., what / so what / now what) to structure their reflections.
• Connect their reflections to future study at university and their academic journey.
• Write reflectively in an appropriate academic register.

What is Reflective Writing?

Reflective writing involves analyzing and evaluating your experiences during a particular process. In the case of research, it helps you articulate what you have learned, understand the challenges you faced, and plan for future endeavors. Unlike descriptive writing, which merely recounts events, reflective writing requires a deeper exploration of your thought processes and emotional reactions throughout the research journey.

Key Differences Between Reflective and Descriptive Writing

1. Purpose: The primary goal of reflective writing is to gain insights and learn from experiences, while descriptive writing aims to inform or entertain by providing information.
2. Voice: Reflective writing commonly utilizes first-person narratives (e.g., "I" or "my") to express personal thoughts and feelings, whereas descriptive writing is often more objective and third-person.
3. Depth of Analysis: In reflective writing, the writer engages in analysis and evaluates the significance of their experiences, while descriptive writing typically narrates events without deeper scrutiny.

Reflecting on Personal Experience

Reflective writing is a unique process that requires vulnerability. To be effective at reflecting, students should consider what elements of the research project worked well, which areas presented challenges, and the specific lessons learned through those experiences.

What Went Well

In this section, students should think about the aspects of their research process that were successful. Here are some guiding questions:

• What sections of my research project did I flourish in? Did I find it easy to conduct literature reviews, for example?
• Which strategies did I employ that contributed to my success? Did I use effective time management and organization techniques?

Example Reflection

During my research project, I found the literature review to be an area where I excelled. I adopted a systematic approach to gather resources, organizing them into categories—this helped me maintain clarity and focus. I felt confident in my ability to synthesize information effectively, which contributed significantly to the quality of my final paper.

What Was Difficult

Reflecting on challenges can be equally beneficial. It shows resilience and growth that are crucial attributes in academic settings:

• What obstacles did I face? Were there moments of confusion or doubt?
• How did I respond to those challenges? Did I seek help from peers or instructors?

Example Reflection

Conversely, I struggled with the analysis phase of my research project. I found it difficult to interpret the data I had collected. Initially, I considered giving up; however, after consulting my supervisor and peers, I learned various analytical methods that helped clarify my thinking. This interaction taught me that collaboration is a valuable resource in academic research.

Reflective Models

One effective way to structure reflections is by utilizing reflective models. A popular choice is the “What / So What / Now What” model, which can guide students through the reflective process:

• What: What happened? Describe the experience in detail.
• So What: Why does this experience matter? Identify the significance and implications for your learning and future work.
• Now What: What will you do with this knowledge? Determine how you can apply the lessons learned to future academic endeavors.

Example Reflection Using the Model

1. What: I faced difficulties when analyzing my research data.
2. So What: This challenge made me realize that I need to improve my statistical skills and seek help more proactively.
3. Now What: Moving forward, I plan to take an introductory statistics course and to consistently seek feedback throughout my research projects.

Connecting Reflection to Future Studies

Reflective writing allows students to understand their learning not as a standalone event but as a conscious part of an ongoing academic journey. By connecting reflections to future study, students can create a roadmap for personal and academic growth. Consider the following questions:

• How can I use the lessons learned from this research project in future assignments?
• What skills do I need to continue to develop as I progress through university?
• In what ways can I maintain a reflective practice throughout my academic career?

Summary of Reflection Practices

• By committing to regular reflective writing, students can remain aware of their academic growth and develop a lifelong learning mindset.
• Developing a habit of reflection ensures that students learns not just from successes, but also from setbacks and challenges encountered in the research process.

Writing Reflectively in an Academic Register

To effectively communicate reflections, students must maintain an academic tone while expressing personal insights. Here are some tips:

• Use clear, concise language to convey ideas effectively while avoiding jargon unless necessary.
• Support personal reflections with examples and evidence from the research process.
• Structure reflections logically, ensuring a clear flow between thoughts and insights.

Conclusion

Reflective writing is an essential skill that allows learners to critically engage with their experiences, understand their learning, and plan for future academic success. As students embarks on their Extended Research Project, it is crucial to embrace reflective practices, using frameworks like the What / So What / Now What model to enrich their learning journey. Reflecting on one's experiences not only helps in cementing lessons learned but also prepares students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their educational pursuits.

Study Notes

• Reflective writing is different from descriptive writing; it focuses on personal insight rather than just recounting events.
• Consider what went well, what was challenging, and what lessons were learned during the research process.
• The “What / So What / Now What” model provides structure for reflections.
• Reflective writing fosters a deeper connection to personal learning and is vital for future studies.
• Maintain an academic tone while providing personal insights in reflective writing.