How should I reflect upon my experiences?

On completion of an activity it is worthwhile to review, reflect upon and evaluate the experience and the outcomes arising from it. You might wish to consider the following in order to understand how to reflect upon your experiences.

Based on the activities listed in the Plan B example of the advice on 'Action Planning', you may wish to consider the following in order to gain an insight into the experience undertaken:

• Here you might review the process rather than the end product.

• Questions that you might consider include:
  1. Have I achieved my objectives?
  2. If not, why not?
  3. Did I have the right resources / information, appropriate to this task?
  4. What other resources / information should I have used?
  5. Was my plan of work realistic?
  6. If not, what features of my planning do I need to change?
  7. Could I have adopted a different approach to this exercise?
  8. What have I learned from this experience?

• The process of reflection is important in that it helps you develop more appropriate and effective ways of working. Moreover, it develops more independent learning, and fosters a problem solving, solution orientated approach to the learning process.

• Reflection is best carried out on your own, without objective input.

You can record your 'Reflections' upon a particular activity within SPEED by clicking on the appropriate skill, and clicking the 'DEVELOP' button in the left hand frame. Use the third text box provided.