Structuring Reflection Papers
There are different ways to structure reflection papers.
Organizational Style 1
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1 – Point 1
- What? (topic sentence/example)
- So what? (analysis)
- Now what? (concluding sentence)
- Body Paragraph 2 – Point 2
- What? (topic sentence/example)
- So what? (analysis)
- Now what? (concluding sentence)
- Body Paragraph 3 – Point 3
- What? (topic sentence/example)
- So what? (analysis)
- Now what? (concluding sentence)
- Conclusion
Organizational Style 2
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1 – What?
- Provide details about what happened during the experience
- Where did this happen?
- When did this happen?
- Who was there?
- What did I do, see, feel, or think?
- What went well or poorly?
- Body Paragraph 2 – So What?
- Analyze the experience
- Why did I feel that way?
- What did I learn?
- Why was this experience valuable or important?
- Body Paragraph 3 – Now What?
- How can you apply this knowledge to future experiences?
- What might you do differently?
- How can you develop this new skill or mindset?
- How will your changed actions/beliefs benefit yourself or others?
- Section 4 – Conclusion
Note: Some reflection papers will require more than 5 paragraphs or less than 5 paragraphs. Adapt these structures according to your faculty's instructions and preferences.