The Ultimate Guide to Reflective Writing in UK Universities
Isha Singh · Nov 22, 2025 · 10 min read
What is Reflective Writing?
Reflective writing is evidence of reflective thinking. It involves looking back at an event, idea, object, or experience to analyze it and learn from it. It's not just about admitting your mistakes; it's about understanding why things happened and how you can improve.
Common Models of Reflection
Gibbs' Reflective Cycle (1988)
This is one of the most popular models. It breaks reflection down into six stages:
- Description: What happened?
- Feelings: What were you thinking and feeling?
- Evaluation: What was good and bad about the experience?
- Analysis: What sense can you make of the situation?
- Conclusion: What else could you have done?
- Action Plan: If it arose again, what would you do?
Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle (1984)
Kolb focuses on the transformation of experience into knowledge through four stages: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation.
Tips for Success
Use the first person ('I felt', 'I realized'), but keep it academic. Link your personal experience to theory. For example, 'My hesitation in that moment aligns with Smith's (2020) theory of novice anxiety...'
