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Academic reflection activities
Activity 1: Quick quiz
Do you agree or disagree with these statements? You might be surprised by the feedback!
(a) Reflective writing should be objective and unemotional.
Feedback: Although you are writing about yourself, your experiences and often your own feelings and responses, it should still be done in an objective and moderate tone. You need to take an analytical stance in reviewing your behaviours or learning. You should not vent your frustrations or merely describe how you felt.
(b) You should only write about the positive aspects of your learning development.
Feedback: Your learning journey sometimes includes points of confusion or challenge. The important thing is that you are aware of these and that you can formulate strategies to overcome difficulties. Writing honestly about negative aspects of your learning path does not reflect badly on you as a student. Rather, it shows maturity and insight.
(c) It is important to use lots of reference sources as evidence for your reflection.
Feedback: Your lecturer may ask you to link your reflection to the literature, but a reflection does not require literature to make it valid. Whereas an essay's claims need to be supported by other sources, a reflection is about your experience or learning. The key source for that is you! Follow your lecturer's requirements, but don't crowd your reflection by including an excessive number of references.
Activity 2: Features of DIEP
Match the topic sentences with the DIEP structure (describe, identify, evaluate, plan). Check your answers by clicking on the 'Check answers' button.
| Statement | Feature of DIEP |
|---|---|
| In future I will have much more discipline around prioritising for study, work experience and work. I need to sort tasks according to the matrix to categorise tasks such as research and reading as combinations of Important/not important and Urgent/not urgent... | |
| During my work experience placement I discovered the importance of prioritising. Time management was a challenge for me because I had so many competing tasks to resolve. | |
| The main benefit of this new understanding is that I can make decisions based on importance and deadlines. I find it difficult to prioritise because this means that I need to consider both... | |
| Understanding the importance of prioritising during my day is critical for me. I need to sort tasks according to the Eisenhower Decision Matrix, which categorises tasks as combinations of Important/not important and Urgent/not urgent. Prioritising allows... |
Describe
During my work experience placement I discovered the importance of prioritising. Time management was a challenge for me because I had so many competing tasks to resolve.Identify
Understanding the importance of prioritising during my day is critical for me. I need to sort tasks according to the Eisenhower Decision Matrix, which categorises tasks as combinations of Important/not important and Urgent/not urgent. Prioritising allows...Evaluate
The main benefit of this new understanding is that I can make decisions based on importance and deadlines. I find it difficult to prioritise because this means that I need to consider both...Plan
In future I will have much more discipline around prioritising for study, work experience and work. I need to sort tasks according to the matrix to categorise tasks such as research and reading as combinations of Important/not important and Urgent/not urgent...Activity 3(a): Identify features of a reflection
Part A: Development of learning
Reflection is about documenting the development of ideas and learning. A clear sense of movement in the writer's understanding is important. Read the following reflection and note the highlighted text that shows where the writer's understanding/beliefs have changed or developed.
Now, identify the remaining three examples by clicking on the correct text in the last paragraph. Correct answers will remain highlighted.
During the project for ... I realised the importance of face-to-face meetings for teams. Regular and detailed team meetings are an essential part of the team-building process and for building collaboration and improved outcomes (American Marketing Association 2008). Our team meetings were compulsory and scheduled into the project. At first I felt that these were a burden, but I began to enjoy them and appreciate their value as the project progressed.
My understanding of teamwork has evolved through these meetings because I used to think that the success of a team lay in everyone having access to up to date information about the project. However, I have come to realise that face to face communication can be more effective because it is synchronous, and the participants are more engaged. Bodell and Levins (2012) found that a group of geographically dispersed occupational therapists collaborating on a project online did not continue the rich and sociable communicative interaction that had been established initially face to face. Their interactions online became task oriented and information based. In the same way, I found that our best ideas and solutions grew out of the meetings.
I have also realised that richer communication between team members can build rapport and enrich understanding of your team members. Consequently, I now think that a team can be more than the sum of its component parts. The regular meetings made me become more conscious of my teammates' personalities, skills, strengths and needs. For example, Sharifa was able to teach Reyan how to use some software that she needed. The synergies of our skills became obvious in the face-to-face context. Cascio (as cited in Ebrahim, Ahmed & Taha, 2012, p. 2660) cites "loss of face to face synergies" as one of the five key challenges to virtual teams' success. Meetings also built a sense of commitment to each other. We did not want to disappoint our team by missing timelines or making poor quality submissions.
Identify the remaining three examples by clicking on the correct text in this paragraph.
Well done!
For any future teamwork, I am much more aware of the importance of the group meeting together. In a professional setting, I now consider that some incentive (e.g. free lunch or transport) to get a group together, if necessary, would be a sound investment. During my future studies, I will always try to join teams who can get together because I now realise how crucial this is to success.
Activity 3(b): Identify features of a reflection
Part B: Integrating the literature
Linking your situation to ideas from the literature (rather than just quoting or paraphrasing it) produces higher quality reflective writing. Read the same reflection and note where literature is integrated into the reflection. Be aware that this is not the paraphrase or quotation from the literature itself.
Now, identify the remaining one example by clicking on the correct text in the second-last paragraph. The correct answer will remain highlighted.
During the project for ... I realised the importance of face-to-face meetings for teams. Regular and detailed team meetings are an essential part of the team-building process and for building collaboration and improved outcomes (American Marketing Association 2008). Our team meetings were compulsory and scheduled into the project. At first I felt that these were a burden, but I began to enjoy them and appreciate their value as the project progressed.
My understanding of teamwork has evolved through these meetings because I used to think that the success of a team lay in everyone having access to up to date information about the project. However, I have come to realise that face to face communication can be more effective because it is synchronous, and the participants are more engaged. Bodell and Levins (2012) found that a group of geographically dispersed occupational therapists collaborating on a project online did not continue the rich and sociable communicative interaction that had been established initially face to face. Their interactions online became task oriented and information based. In the same way, I found that our best ideas and solutions grew out of the meetings.
Identify the remaining example by clicking on the correct text in this paragraph.
Well done!
I have also realised that richer communication between team members can build rapport and enrich understanding of your team members. Consequently, I now think that a team can be more than the sum of its component parts. The regular meetings made me become more conscious of my teammates' personalities, skills, strengths and needs. For example, Sharifa was able to teach Reyan how to use some software that she needed. The synergies of our skills became obvious in the face-to-face context. Cascio (as cited in Ebrahim, Ahmed & Taha, 2012, p. 2660) cites "loss of face to face synergies" as one of the five key challenges to virtual teams' success. Meetings also built a sense of commitment to each other. We did not want to disappoint our team by missing timelines or making poor quality submissions.
For any future teamwork, I am much more aware of the importance of the group meeting together. In a professional setting, I now consider that some incentive (e.g. free lunch or transport) to get a group together, if necessary, would be a sound investment. During my future studies, I will always try to join teams who can get together because I now realise how crucial this is to success.
Activity 3(c): Identify features of a reflection
Part C: Using specific examples
Reflections sound authentic and relevant when specific events are cited. Read the same reflection and note the highlighted examples from the learning situation that prompted the writer's reflection and learning development.
Now, identify the remaining two examples by clicking on the correct text in the second-last paragraph. Correct answers will remain highlighted.
During the project for ... I realised the importance of face-to-face meetings for teams. Regular and detailed team meetings are an essential part of the team-building process and for building collaboration and improved outcomes (American Marketing Association 2008). Our team meetings were compulsory and scheduled into the project. At first I felt that these were a burden, but I began to enjoy them and appreciate their value as the project progressed.
My understanding of teamwork has evolved through these meetings because I used to think that the success of a team lay in everyone having access to up to date information about the project. However, I have come to realise that face to face communication can be more effective because it is synchronous, and the participants are more engaged. Bodell and Levins (2012) found that a group of geographically dispersed occupational therapists collaborating on a project online did not continue the rich and sociable communicative interaction that had been established initially face to face. Their interactions online became task oriented and information based. In the same way, I found that our best ideas and solutions grew out of the meetings.
Identify the remaining two examples by clicking on the correct text in this paragraph.
Well done!
I have also realised that richer communication between team members can build rapport and enrich understanding of your team members. Consequently, I now think that a team can be more than the sum of its component parts. The regular meetings made me become more conscious of my teammates' personalities, skills, strengths and needs. For example, Sharifa was able to teach Reyan how to use some software that she needed. The synergies of our skills became obvious in the face-to-face context. Cascio (as cited in Ebrahim, Ahmed & Taha, 2012, p. 2660) cites "loss of face to face synergies" as one of the five key challenges to virtual teams' success. Meetings also built a sense of commitment to each other. We did not want to disappoint our team by missing timelines or making poor quality submissions.
For any future teamwork, I am much more aware of the importance of the group meeting together. In a professional setting, I now consider that some incentive (e.g. free lunch or transport) to get a group together, if necessary, would be a sound investment. During my future studies, I will always try to join teams who can get together because I now realise how crucial this is to success.
Activity 1: Quick quiz
Do you agree or disagree with the following three statements? You might be surprised by the feedback!
(a) Reflective writing should be objective and unemotional.
(b) You should only write about the positive aspects of your learning development.
(c) It is important to use lots of reference sources as evidence for your reflection.
Answers
(a) Reflective writing should be objective and unemotional.
Answer: Agree.
Feedback: Although you are writing about yourself, your experiences and often your own feelings and responses, it should still be done in an objective and moderate tone. You need to take an analytical stance in reviewing your behaviours or learning. You should not vent your frustrations or merely describe how you felt.
(b) You should only write about the positive aspects of your learning development.
Answer: Disagree.
Feedback: Your learning journey sometimes includes points of confusion or challenge. The important thing is that you are aware of these and that you can formulate strategies to overcome difficulties. Writing honestly about negative aspects of your learning path does not reflect badly on you as a student. Rather, it shows maturity and insight.
(c) It is important to use lots of reference sources as evidence for your reflection.
Answer: Disagree.
Feedback: Your lecturer may ask you to link your reflection to the literature, but a reflection does not require literature to make it valid. Whereas an essay's claims need to be supported by other sources, a reflection is about your experience or learning. The key source for that is you! Follow your lecturer's requirements, but don't crowd your reflection by including an excessive number of references.
Activity 2: Features of DIEP
Match the topic sentences with the DIEP structure (describe, identify, evaluate, plan).
Statements
- In future I will have much more discipline around prioritising for study, work experience and work. I need to sort tasks according to the matrix to categorise tasks such as research and reading as combinations of Important/not important and Urgent/not urgent...
- During my work experience placement I discovered the importance of prioritising. Time management was a challenge for me because I had so many competing tasks to resolve.
- The main benefit of this new understanding is that I can make decisions based on importance and deadlines. I find it difficult to prioritise because this means that I need to consider both...
- Understanding the importance of prioritising during my day is critical for me. I need to sort tasks according to the Eisenhower Decision Matrix, which categorises tasks as combinations of Important/not important and Urgent/not urgent. Prioritising allows...
Answers
- Plan
- Describe
- Evaluate
- Identify
Activity 3(a): Identify features of a reflection
Reflection is about documenting the development of ideas and learning. A clear sense of movement in the writer's understanding is important. Read the following reflection and note the highlighted text that shows where the writer's understanding/beliefs have changed or developed.
Now, identify the remaining three examples in the last paragraph.
Reflection
During the project for ... [Start understandings/beliefs] I realised[ End understandings/beliefs] the importance of face-to-face meetings for teams. Regular and detailed team meetings are an essential part of the team-building process and for building collaboration and improved outcomes (American Marketing Association 2008). Our team meetings were compulsory and scheduled into the project. [Start understandings/beliefs] At first I felt [End understandings/beliefs] that these were a burden, [Start understandings/beliefs] but I began to enjoy them and appreciate their value [End understandings/beliefs] as the project progressed.
[Start understandings/beliefs] My understanding of teamwork has evolved[End understandings/beliefs] through these meetings because [Start understandings/beliefs] I used to think [End understandings/beliefs] that the success of a team lay in everyone having access to up to date information about the project. However, [Start understandings/beliefs] I have come to realise [End understandings/beliefs] that face to face communication can be more effective because it is synchronous, and the participants are more engaged. Bodell and Levins (2012) found that a group of geographically dispersed occupational therapists collaborating on a project online did not continue the rich and sociable communicative interaction that had been established initially face to face. Their interactions online became task oriented and information based. In the same way, I found that our best ideas and solutions grew out of the meetings.
[Start understandings/beliefs] I have also realised [End understandings/beliefs] that richer communication between team members can build rapport and enrich understanding of your team members. Consequently, [Start understandings/beliefs] I now think[End understandings/beliefs] that a team can be more than the sum of its component parts. The regular meetings [Start understandings/beliefs] made me become more conscious [End understandings/beliefs] of my teammates' personalities, skills, strengths and needs. For example, Sharifa was able to teach Reyan how to use some software that she needed. The synergies of our skills became obvious in the face-to-face context. Cascio (as cited in Ebrahim, Ahmed & Taha, 2012, p. 2660) cites "loss of face to face synergies" as one of the five key challenges to virtual teams' success. Meetings also built a sense of commitment to each other. We did not want to disappoint our team by missing timelines or making poor quality submissions.
[Start last paragraph] For any future teamwork, I am much more awareof the importance of the group meeting together. In a professional setting, I now consider that some incentive (e.g. free lunch or transport) to get a group together, if necessary, would be a sound investment. During my future studies, I will always try to join teams who can get together because I now realise how crucial this is to success. [End last paragraph]
Answer
[Start last paragraph] For any future teamwork, [Start understandings/beliefs] I am much more aware [End understandings/beliefs] of the importance of the group meeting together. In a professional setting, [Start understandings/beliefs] I now consider [End understandings/beliefs] that some incentive (e.g. free lunch or transport) to get a group together, if necessary, would be a sound investment. During my future studies, I will always try to join teams who can get together because [Start understandings/beliefs] I now realise how [End understandings/beliefs] crucial this is to success. [End last paragraph]
Activity 3(b): Identify features of a reflection
Linking your situation to ideas from the literature (rather than just quoting or paraphrasing it) produces higher quality reflective writing.Read the same reflection and note where literature is integrated into the reflection. Be aware that this is not the paraphrase or quotation from the literature itself.
Now, identify the remaining one example in the second-last paragraph.
Reflection
During the project for ... I realised the importance of face-to-face meetings for teams. Regular and detailed team meetings are an essential part of the team-building process and for building collaboration and improved outcomes (American Marketing Association 2008). [Start integrating the literature] Our team meetings were compulsory and scheduled into the project. [End integrating the literature] At first I felt that these were a burden, but I began to enjoy them and appreciate their value as the project progressed.
My understanding of teamwork has evolved through these meetings because I used to think that the success of a team lay in everyone having access to up to date information about the project. However, I have come to realise that [Start integrating the literature] face to face communication can be more effective because it is synchronous, and the participants are more engaged.[End integrating the literature] Bodell and Levins (2012) found that a group of geographically dispersed occupational therapists collaborating on a project online did not continue the rich and sociable communicative interaction that had been established initially face to face. Their interactions online became task oriented and information based. [Start integrating the literature] In the same way, I found that our best ideas and solutions grew out of the meetings. [End integrating the literature]
[Start second-last paragraph] I have also realised that richer communication between team members can build rapport and enrich understanding of your team members. Consequently, I now think that a team can be more than the sum of its component parts. The regular meetings made me become more conscious of my teammates' personalities, skills, strengths and needs. For example, Sharifa was able to teach Reyan how to use some software that she needed. The synergies of our skills became obvious in the face-to-face context. Cascio (as cited in Ebrahim, Ahmed & Taha, 2012, p. 2660) cites "loss of face to face synergies" as one of the five key challenges to virtual teams' success. Meetings also built a sense of commitment to each other. We did not want to disappoint our team by missing timelines or making poor quality submissions. [End second-last paragraph]
For any future teamwork, I am much more aware of the importance of the group meeting together. In a professional setting, I now consider that some incentive (e.g. free lunch or transport) to get a group together, if necessary, would be a sound investment. During my future studies, I will always try to join teams who can get together because I now realise how crucial this is to success.
Answer
[Start second-last paragraph] I have also realised that richer communication between team members can build rapport and enrich understanding of your team members. Consequently, I now think that a team can be more than the sum of its component parts. [Start integrating the literature] The regular meetings made me become more conscious of my teammates' personalities, skills, strengths and needs. For example, Sharifa was able to teach Reyan how to use some software that she needed. The synergies of our skills became obvious in the face-to-face context. [End integrating the literature] Cascio (as cited in Ebrahim, Ahmed & Taha, 2012, p. 2660) cites "loss of face to face synergies" as one of the five key challenges to virtual teams' success. Meetings also built a sense of commitment to each other. We did not want to disappoint our team by missing timelines or making poor quality submissions. [End second-last paragraph]
Activity 3(c): Identify features of a reflection
Reflections sound authentic and relevant when specific events are cited. Read the same reflection and note the highlighted examples from the learning situation that prompted the writer's reflection and learning development.
Now, identify the remaining two examples in the second-last paragraph.
Reflection
During the project for ... I realised the importance of face-to-face meetings for teams. Regular and detailed team meetings are an essential part of the team-building process and for building collaboration and improved outcomes (American Marketing Association 2008). [Start specific event] Our team meetings were compulsory and scheduled into the project. [End specific event] At first I felt that these were a burden, but I began to enjoy them and appreciate their value as the project progressed.
My understanding of teamwork has evolved through these meetings because I used to think that the success of a team lay in everyone having access to up to date information about the project. However, I have come to realise that face to face communication can be more effective because it is synchronous, and the participants are more engaged. Bodell and Levins (2012) found that a group of geographically dispersed occupational therapists collaborating on a project online did not continue the rich and sociable communicative interaction that had been established initially face to face. Their interactions online became task oriented and information based. In the same way, I found that [Start specific event] our best ideas and solutions grew out of the meetings. [End specific event]
[Start second-last paragraph] I have also realised that richer communication between team members can build rapport and enrich understanding of your team members. Consequently, I now think that a team can be more than the sum of its component parts. The regular meetings made me become more conscious of my teammates' personalities, skills, strengths and needs. For example, Sharifa was able to teach Reyan how to use some software that she needed. The synergies of our skills became obvious in the face-to-face context. Cascio (as cited in Ebrahim, Ahmed & Taha, 2012, p. 2660) cites "loss of face to face synergies" as one of the five key challenges to virtual teams' success. Meetings also built a sense of commitment to each other. We did not want to disappoint our team by missing timelines or making poor quality submissions. [End second-last paragraph]
For any future teamwork, I am much more aware of the importance of the group meeting together. In a professional setting, I now consider that some incentive (e.g. free lunch or transport) to get a group together, if necessary, would be a sound investment. During my future studies, I will always try to join teams who can get together because I now realise how crucial this is to success.
Answer
[Start second-last paragraph] I have also realised that richer communication between team members can build rapport and enrich understanding of your team members. Consequently, I now think that a team can be more than the sum of its component parts. [Start specific event] The regular meetings made me become more conscious of my teammates' personalities, skills, strengths and needs. For example, Sharifa was able to teach Reyan how to use some software that she needed. [End specific event] The synergies of our skills became obvious in the face-to-face context. Cascio (as cited in Ebrahim, Ahmed & Taha, 2012, p. 2660) cites "loss of face to face synergies" as one of the five key challenges to virtual teams' success. Meetings also built a sense of commitment to each other. We did not want to disappoint our team by missing timelines or making poor quality submissions. [End second-last paragraph]
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