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Guidance, Counselling and Career Development Guide: Reflective Writing

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Benefits of reflective writing

Engaging in reflective writing will develop your understanding in many ways, including helping you to:

  • Become a critical thinker
  • Identify weaknesses in your understanding
  • Gain a deeper understanding of course content
  • Become an independent learner and problem-solver.

Reflective writing - a very brief guide

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Reflective thinking

The figure below shows that the reflective thinking process starts with you. Before you can begin to assess the words and ideas of others, you need to pause and identify and examine your own thoughts.  This involves revisiting your prior experience and knowledge of the topic you are exploring. It also involves considering how and why you think the way you do. The examination of your beliefs, values, attitudes and assumptions forms the foundation of your understanding.



Source: Reflective Writing. The Learning Centre - UNSW

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