Reflective Essay: A Measured Review
Writing a Reflective Essay
A reflective essay is about pausing to review the process of completing something – it could be an essay, a dissertation, a course etc. Unlike other essays, it’s more for the writer than the reader. It’s a chance to look back after a job well done and recap the journey, rather like a descriptive essay.
Take the time to mull over and reflect on the process. For instance, if you are writing about your dissertation then think about the people who helped you work on it. Mention the assumptions that were challenged and the preconceived notions that you didn’t even know you had. Perhaps you went to an underdeveloped region to study poverty and found that rather than the lack of opportunities, it’s the lack of awareness of these opportunities and the inefficient distribution of information that is holding people back.
You could also quote those people in your reflective essay whose suggestions or comments became the crux of your work and greatly enriched your analysis. You can briefly state their experiences as well.
One tip is to go back to all the matter that you referenced for your work. This helps you reconstruct the chain of events up to the completion of the project. It also helps you recall why you ended up doing things the way you did. You can also mention some methods or approaches that you tried but found unsuitable for the project and what you took away from that. Don’t be afraid to be honest and admit where you erred, as long as you progressed from small failures its okay. Moreover, describing your errors may help others who plan to work on related topics or use similar methodologies.
For most people, the choice of the project’s subject is linked to something they feel passionate or curious about. Bring in this aspect in your essay writing. Let people know why your subject is important to you.
While the essay does deal with personal experiences, it should also be balanced with facts. For instance, take this excerpt from a reflective essay, “While surveying construction workers in XYZ, I was struck by how meager their savings were. In a country where the per capita income is ****, per capita savings of **** among the workers indicate how limited the access to resources and opportunities is for these workers and their families. This is an aspect that a recent study by ABC has corroborated…” Remember that any amateur can write what one “feels”, but it’s what one “thinks” that illustrates that the process of reflection has not been superficial.
Also, place your experience in a larger context. For instance, if you have researched the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on Latin America’s trade then you could highlight the possible applications of the findings, for exporters and policymakers.
Don’t use this essay as a platform to crow about your achievements; be as objective and specific as possible. Also, avoid clichés like “personal growth” and “self-development” in the reflective essay; instead include illustrative examples and illuminating findings.
