FIR 2302 Reflection Paper

instructions

Reflective writing consists of two main parts: a description and a reflection. The writer must first describe the event or situation that is the topic of the writing. The description should be objective, involving facts, and detailed observations. Then the writer reflects on the experience with personal feelings and opinions followed by an analysis of those feelings. This is one of the few times in academic writing when it is appropriate to write in the first person.

Describe a situation from your current profession where you (or someone from your organization) experienced an injury or near-miss incident because of a lack of a culture of safety. What aspect of a safety culture was missing/lacking? How could personal and organizational accountability have prevented this incident from occurring or reduced the significance/impact?

Write an introduction to the incident.

Provide a detailed description of the event or situation.

Use as many of the senses as appropriate in your description.

Is there any background information known that would be relevant to share?

After reflecting on the incident, provide an analysis of the situation and of your feelings.

What were your initial thoughts/feelings?

Are there any connections to be made between this experience and previous experiences?

Has this experience changed your assumptions/values/attitudes/beliefs on safety culture and accountability?

What do your changed feelings/understandings about safety culture and accountability imply for you professionally?

Conclusion

It is important to understand that reflective writing is not a simple descriptive essay. It is an exercise in critical thinking and a method for creating meaning out of a seemingly abstract concept.

What is the point of reflective writing in an academic setting? Reflective writing helps students examine why they think the way they do and thereby provides a learning experience for them. By undertaking a careful analysis of the facts of an event or situation and then applying the same careful analysis to the student’s own preconceived ideas, a student can determine whether those ideas are strengthened or otherwise changed by the experience. Then, the student will be able to gather practical and personal evidence to support or challenge what might be an abstract idea in their profession or in the area of academics being studied.

Your reflection paper should consist of at least two pages. APA Style will not be required for this assignment.

Note: The Writing Center provides a Reflection Essays tutorial that might be helpful with this type of assignment.