5. Unit 1: Introducing Reflective Writing

Objectives

When you have finished this section, you will be able to

§  understand the value of reflecting on experience;

§  understand the value of writing in response to experience;

§  understand the value of writing in response to reading;

§  apply your understanding by writing “critically” on course-related themes;

§  reflect critically upon your language learning, in thought and in writing.

Resource List

1)      Reflective Thinking To Writing: http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/reflect.html

2)      Reflective Writing – Another View:  http://www.uefap.com/writing/genre/reflect.htm

3)      The Reflective Learning Process: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/medicine/reflective/3.xml

4)      Self Reflection Versus Self Criticism: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/medicine/reflective/8.3.xml

5)      Common Errors in Reflection: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/medicine/reflective/7.xml

6)       Critical Reflection: http://www.coles.uoguelph.ca/pdf/Critical%20Reflection.pdf

Key Concepts

§  Self Reflection

§  Reflective Learning

§  Descriptive Reflection

§  Critical Reflection,

§  Reflective Writing

§  Reader Response

 Procedure

A.    Before Class

1.      Survey the websites and pdf files provided in the Resource List above.

2.      Read Resources 1, 2, 3 & 6 for detail. Scan/skim 4 & 5 for more information

       You can also take this opportunity to search for your own related readings from the

       Internet or other sources.

3.   Think about the questions in Task A. Be prepared to share your answers.

B.    In Class

Reflecting on what you have read and surveyed:

1.     Compare your answers for Task A with a partner or in a small group. Be prepared to

 share your responses with the class.

2.     Complete Task B individually.

C.    After Class

 Be prepared to write further reflections and several reader responses during your
 study in ES1102.

           

Tasks

A.    Discussion

1.      What is the value of reflecting on one’s experience?

2.      What is the value of reflecting on one’s learning process?

3.    In your own words, what is the difference between self criticism and self

        reflection?

4.    If you had to explain a “critical reflection” in your own words, in three

        sentences or less, what would you write?

5.      In essence, what is meant by “reader response”? (This type/genre of writing

         will be explained further in Week 6.)

6.      Have you ever written either a reflection or a reader response? If you answer     

 “yes,” explain.

 B.   Reflection, Pre-Writing and Writing

1.    Look at Gibb’s Model of Reflection at http://www.uefap.com/writing/genre/reflect.htm

        above. What are the key elements in Gibb’s Model? (Share this with a

        partner.) Using that approach, reflect on ONE of the following topics, and

        write notes.

        (a)  Three or four of the most important “points” on your English language
                learning journey thus far. What did you do? Why were these points  

                important?

        (b)  Why is writing in English important to you? What are some examples
                of English language writing that you will do in your university education?
                How will writing in English be important in your future career?

2.     Using the notes that you have taken while doing Task B1, write a

         multi-paragraph Reflection.

3.     Once you have finished, read through what you have written and edit it for
         for language use.

 4.    If you have time, share your written reflection with a small group (2 or
         3 members), asking for each person’s reaction to the content,
         organization and language use.

 5.    At the end of class, submit Reflection on the blog.