In a reflection paper, you explore your experiences, thoughts, and growth about a subject or event. How has your perspective and understanding changed?
There are two types of reflection papers: 1) a reflection on an experience, and; 2) a reflection on something you have read.
Thesis Statement
Let’s start with the thesis statement. It will look a little different from your usual thesis statement. It will say
You will expand on this in your essay, so don’t give away too much in the beginning.
Here is an example of a thesis statement for a reflection essay about reflecting on the experience of completing a teaching practicum.
“My practicum has enabled me to apply the developmental concepts I learned in class and allowed me to critically think about how to approach issues related to child behavior.”
Body Paragraphs
Next, focus on developing your body paragraphs.
Body Paragraphs for Reflections on Something You Have Read
If you are reflecting on something that you have read:
Here are some questions to ask yourself to get ideas of what to write about:
Body Paragraphs for Reflections on an Experience
If you are reflecting on an experience:
Here are some questions to ask yourself to get ideas of what to write about: