What is a Reflection Paper – Sylvia Gonzalez July 21, 2008
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A reflection paper is a connection between theory and practice. We must apply theory in practice before we can write a reflection paper. The key is to make a link between theory and practice. Kolb’s Learning Cycle suggests that concrete experiences are followed by reflection, conceptualization, and then experimentation. (The order can be more abstract random) The principle, however, is that all of these elements are necessary to grow as a result of the combination of practice, theory, reflection and experimentation. A reflection paper shares the fruit of this cyclical, growing, experience.
The rubric for a reflection paper is in our 2008 handbook on page 29:
45% knowledge base (theory)
45% evidence of integration of knowledge base and practice
10% mechanics
4% content and organization
3% APA style/AU Format
3% grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure
We can’t reflect unless we have something to reflect upon. Reading academic literature gives us something to think about and try out in our practice. Connect the dots and write it up in a reflection paper!
David Rausch – Portfolio Development and Reflection July 21, 2008
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As graduate students, our learning is to be experiential. We begin with exploratory questions, and then grounded by literature review, we explore and experience. Reflection is a powerful tool that enables us to make sense of our integration of theory with practice. The fruit of our reflection finds its way into our portfolios and serves as evidence of our learning.
Leadership participants believe that portfolios are valid assessment and learning tools. The self-directed nature of our studies, linked with reflection, strengthens the learning process. The portfolio development process is iterative and we recognize as we develop our portfolios that we work, we reflect, we improve our work, we reflect, we improve, in a continuous learning cycle. The act of preparing and presenting a portfolio is a key reflective process.
Reflection is a key element of the process, and educational programs with portfolios, like ours, must have a systematic process for assessing portfolios. Specific program outcomes must be clear before and during the graduate program so that students know exactly what is expected of them.
When writing reflection papers, it is important that we link reflection to the description of the experience, to relevant theoretical constructs, demonstrate application, and show what learning has taken place. It’s not sufficient to merely report.
What separates the excellent from the good? Reflection.
An article that studies the AU Leadership program was mentioned:
Wasley, Paula, “Portfolios are Replacing Qualifying Exams
