19 October 2026, 05:16 PM
A reflective essay examines an experience to show what you learned, how your thinking changed, and what you will do differently as a result.
The main parts, as far as I can tell:
The biggest weakness in reflective essays is spending most of the word count on what happened. Description is necessary, but it is only the starting point. Markers want analysis: why things unfolded as they did, how you reacted, what you noticed about your own thinking and what you would change.
Models like Gibbs and Kolb give that analysis a structure. Gibbs moves through description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and an action plan. Kolb goes from concrete experience to reflection, then to abstract ideas and finally to trying something new. Either keeps it past the event.
Many reflective assignments also ask you to link the experience to course concepts. A nursing student might connect a communication problem with a model of patient centred care. Those links show you can apply what you learned in class to a real situation.
Be specific about change. What do you think differently? Reflection works best when it is honest. Admitting mistakes, uncertainty or uncomfortable feelings usually leads to deeper analysis than presenting everything as a success.
Now what? A concrete plan for next time. Instead of saying you will improve, describe exactly what you will do differently, such as preparing questions in advance, asking for feedback earlier or practising a particular skill.
Reflective essays usually allow the word I, since the focus is your own experience. Keep the tone thoughtful and professional.
The takeaway:
The main parts, as far as I can tell:
- Gibbs - Describe, feel, evaluate, plan
- Kolb - Experience, reflect, apply
- What Happened - The smallest part
- Why It Matters - Linked to course theory
- What Changes - A concrete plan
The biggest weakness in reflective essays is spending most of the word count on what happened. Description is necessary, but it is only the starting point. Markers want analysis: why things unfolded as they did, how you reacted, what you noticed about your own thinking and what you would change.
Models like Gibbs and Kolb give that analysis a structure. Gibbs moves through description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and an action plan. Kolb goes from concrete experience to reflection, then to abstract ideas and finally to trying something new. Either keeps it past the event.
Many reflective assignments also ask you to link the experience to course concepts. A nursing student might connect a communication problem with a model of patient centred care. Those links show you can apply what you learned in class to a real situation.
Be specific about change. What do you think differently? Reflection works best when it is honest. Admitting mistakes, uncertainty or uncomfortable feelings usually leads to deeper analysis than presenting everything as a success.
Now what? A concrete plan for next time. Instead of saying you will improve, describe exactly what you will do differently, such as preparing questions in advance, asking for feedback earlier or practising a particular skill.
Reflective essays usually allow the word I, since the focus is your own experience. Keep the tone thoughtful and professional.
The takeaway:
- Description is the setup. Analysis is the essay.
- Most of this came from CollegeEssay.org, which goes through reflective essay models and structure in detail.
- Anyone want to add to this? Keen to hear what people found mattered most.