Practice-based and reflective learning

Many academic disciplines require students to develop awareness of issues associated with professional practice. This may occur through the discussion of possible or fictional scenarios, or through reflection on actual experience, gained through work placements, voluntary work and internships. Increasingly, students are also being asked to reflect on their role in group work, or on what they have learned more generally on their course. In these cases, they may be asked to reflect on their experiences in essays, reports and/or presentations.

Writing and thinking reflectively in an academic setting is often a new practice for students. It often requires you to think critically and honestly about your actions, thoughts and behaviours. 

These guides will show you how to use your experience as evidence to support your discussion; how to integrate theory and practice; how to use each to build your understanding; how and when to use the first person in reflective writing; and other issues about writing style.