Creating a Simple Model of Reflection
This is a quick and easy way to think about an experience you have undertaken and start reflecting on it.
- In the Experience stage, briefly describe an activity you want to reflect on.
- In the Reflection stage, answer these questions: How did I feel during the activity? What went well? What could I have done better? What did I learn?
- In the Learning stage, explain what you will do with the learning. Are there any long-term implications? How does it relate to your development?
from University of Birmingham, 2015: 3)
Use the questions to get you started:
Read the guiding questions below and answer them with relevant notes, thoughts, and reflections on your experiences.
| Reflection Stage | Guiding Questions |
| Experience | What is the activity you want to reflect on? When, where and how did it happen? Who was involved? How long was it? What other information is important for a detailed context of the activity you completed? |
| Reflection | How did you feel during the activity? What went well? What could you have done better? What did you learn? |
| Learning | What were the key learnings you took away from completing the activity? Are there any long-term implications? How does it relate to your development and goals in your Map? |
Exploring other Models of Reflection
There are many models of reflection that you can explore. Mainstream models include: Boud’s triangular representation of reflection; Gibbs’ reflective cycle; Atkins and Murphy’s model of reflection. You can explore this and the other models by accessing this free Open University course.
Your programme might also have a preferred reflection models that you might want to use – you can check this with your course tutor.
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