How to make reflection part of your learning

Learning to learn is a lifelong activity, not only because of how fast technology changes (imagine studying a generation ago, before the internet!) but because of the slowness with which most of us come to terms with our own strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s have a look at a few questions to consider when you’re doing your reflection.

Students studying

What am I doing right?

An editor was once going through a manuscript with a textbook author. At one point, the editor said, "There's nothing on this page." The author replied, "There's eight hours' work on that page." At the lunch break, the author went out and bought a pack of gold stars so that the editor could stick them to the perfect pages. Don't forget to record what you are doing right - sometimes you need to provide your own feedback.

What could I do better?

Accept criticism as an opportunity to learn and improve. It's not always easy. Reflect on your own reflection: do you get upset by critical feedback? What can you do about it? Do you need to discuss the situation with your tutor to understand their point of view and why they've responded to your work in that way? Do you need more detailed feedback?

What are the reasons?

A reflective journal, like any other academic writing, needs to get at the why and the how. Why did this go well or badly for you? How can you build on the successes and avoid the mistakes and difficulties?

What are the implications?

A group of students were given an assignment. The deadline was four weeks later. Most of the students waited for four weeks and then wrote the assignment the night before the deadline. But one student wrote the assignment immediately and then relaxed for four weeks, with nothing on his conscience. Who was wiser? Who was happier? And why is this one student so unusual?

How can I record these insights?

The answer to this question is very personal. Some people benefit from mind maps, others from memory cards or Post-it stickers on the fridge. Whatever works for you, make sure it's not just a "Dear diary" sort of activity. Look for patterns. Learn to manage yourself.

A self-employed writer once reflected that she was a very flexible manager, but an undisciplined employee. Think of yourself as your own employee and take responsibility for your own improvement.