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Structuring Reflection Papers

There are different ways to structure reflection papers.
Organizational Style 1

  1. Introduction
  2. Body Paragraph 1 – Point 1
  • What? (topic sentence/example)
  • So what? (analysis)
  • Now what? (concluding sentence)
  1. Body Paragraph 2 – Point 2
  • What? (topic sentence/example)
  • So what? (analysis)
  • Now what? (concluding sentence)
  1. Body Paragraph 3 – Point 3
  • What? (topic sentence/example)
  • So what? (analysis)
  • Now what? (concluding sentence)
  1. Conclusion


Organizational Style 2

  1. Introduction
  2. 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?
  1. 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?
  1. 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?
  1. 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.