Reflective language
Prepared by the Academic Skills Unit, 2016

The process of reflective thinking
Reflective writing is a process in which you look inwards for a personal response, as well as outward to connect your reactions to a wider context.

Self-awareness

Critical analysis

Synthesis

Evaluation

Identify your reaction
(thinking and attitude) to the task Question your reaction and thinking: a self-dialogue

Integrate this new knowledge into your learning Explore the importance for you as part of developing your professional learning

Pose a question and explore the connection between:
• Your existing knowledge and views
• The basis of this knowledge and these views ad
• The academic and professional literature

The language of reflection
Reflective writing uses the first person (‘I’, ‘me’, ‘my’) to examine affective, cognitive, and behavioural responses to situations, events, readings, or other activities.
Affective responses

Cognitive responses

Behavioural responses

I was nervous when…
I found it difficult…
I felt confused/excited by…
I was confident that…
I was surprised to…
I find it comforting that…
I like/ I worry/ I enjoy

I think…
I guess…
It seems…
I have (no) idea…
I understand/consider…
I wonder…
For me, this means…
I am challenged by…
I agree…
I can(not) imagine…
I believe…
I have experienced…
I am (not) sure…

I did…
I did not…
I participated in…
I withdrew from…
I listened…
I spoke…
I waited to…
I read…
I reacted by…
I responded with…

Positive emotion words:
Cheerful, pleasant, satisfying
Negative emotion words:
Disappointed, anxious, sad
The language of reflection 1