Tips on Writing a Winning Reflection Paper in College

Published on: 24 April 2018 Last Updated on: 07 October 2020

When it comes to college writing, most students quickly adapt to the rhythms of producing a fact-based paper. You visit your school’s online library, research some material, and slot it into a five-paragraph essay template, or a similar standard format. Bang! You’re done. But what happens when you are assigned a completely different type of paper that doesn’t fit neatly into the standard essay formats you learned in high school or in freshman composition class? When it comes to the personal reflection paper, many students struggle precisely because this type of essay is so different from most that they’ve written in their other classes. Fortunately, there are a few tips that will help you with this type of paper.

Before we get to the tips, it’s important to make sure we are all on the same page when it comes to what exactly a personal reflection paper is. As the name implies, a reflective essay looks back on something, and a personal reflection offers your own feelings and reactions. Typically, a personal reflection paper is intended to allow a student to share with the instructor his or her feelings about a course and how the course has impacted them. Some personal reflections, however, may examine other topics with which you have had personal experiences, such as a job or a volunteer opportunity. In most cases, the instructor is looking for you to draw connections between course material and your own experiences in order to discover how course content can be or has been relevant to your lived experience.

In order to write a terrific personal reflection essay, follow a few simple tips:

Start with simple pre-writing activities :

Before you even begin writing, make sure you have read the essay question and understand it completely. For a personal reflection, you won’t likely be doing heavy research, the next step isn’t usually a visit to the library. Instead, you should make notes about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences so you can better understand your reaction to the essay topic. By writing down your thoughts, you can begin to organize them into categories so you can structure your paper around a few key themes. Try asking yourself key questions to guide your note-taking such as:

How has the essay topic affected me personally?
How has the essay topic changed the way I think about an issue or experience?
Has the essay topic sparked any questions I want answers to?
How does the essay topic relate to other course content or content in other courses?

Begin organizing your reflections :

The exact format you use for your paper will vary depending on your instructor’s requirements and the essay question, but in general, you will adapt a standard essay format for a reflective essay. You will still have an introduction with a thesis statement and a conclusion, but the body paragraphs might be organized somewhat differently. Depending on the essay question, you may follow the standard format and offer three reflective points (one per paragraph) which you support with evidence. Or, you might have a different format, such as telling a story about your reflective journey in chronological order or exploring one particular reaction across multiple paragraphs. Whichever style you choose, try to match it to the essay question so you are sure to answer the instructor’s question.

Remember that the personal essay is, well, personal :

The biggest difference between a personal essay and an expository essay like a term paper is that it involves your own views and opinions. In this genre of writing, it’s OK to refer to yourself and to talk about your thoughts and feelings without having to phrase them in an awkward third-person format (“One often feels…”). Don’t be afraid to share your honest views, but keep your instructor in mind. Even if you had a negative reaction, avoid insulting the instructor or viciously attacking course material. Instructors are open to reasoned disagreement, but they don’t want to find out that you want to set your textbook on fire.

With these tips, writing a professional reflection paper from scratch should be an easy and refreshing change of pace from the standard academic term paper. The hardest part is getting your thoughts and feelings down on paper. Once you’ve mastered the art of sharing your feelings in written form, you’ll quickly find that these essays are quick to produce, and you’ll look forward to having time off from the more detailed research papers that take up a lot more time.

Read Also :

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Caribbean- The Most Exotic Destination To Study Medicine

Higher education is no longer about just degrees and qualifications. More and more students are looking to secure exposure, experience, and advantages. This has given rise to some great universities who have started offering Medicine degrees for students. The islands in West Indies famously referred to as the Caribbean is slowly emerging as a top choice for students looking to pursue a career in medicine. Students are taking their abroad studies to the next level by taking up courses at some of the most exotic universities in the world. Why look at Exotic Destinations for Medical Degree Courses: One major regret that most students speak of after completing their studies is lack of traveling. Even though they end up studying at some of the best colleges, they miss some prime traveling years. There is also a steady rise in students who are not afraid of going after uncharted territories. Their main purpose in life goes beyond mere education. They want to discover who they are. They also want to explore diverse cultures, customs, and practices. This holistic development of a young mind is also being encouraged by educational experts and counselors. By falling in love with not just the university or school, but also the place in which it is situated, a student can develop himself better. There is also a great demand in the industry for students who have pursued their academic qualifications in outside universities. It is common knowledge that they are widely respected and their expertise is in great demand to post the completion of their degrees. The Caribbean Islands is slowly emerging as a center for quality education, for students all over the world. Many students from European and Asian countries are opting for study courses in the Caribbean Islands, especially around universities in St.Kitts. What are the Hallmarks of the Best Medical School? There is a misconception that Medical Schools in the Caribbean cannot boast of quality teachers. This is far from the truth. Because of their global outlook, universities in the Caribbean attract some of the finest educational minds in the world. In fact, if you will go through their Faculty Pages, you will see teachers that have completed their education in some of the best universities in the world. Therefore, in terms of quality, it is very difficult to point a finger at them. As compared to other medical schools, which do not have adequate set up for real-world training, universities in St. Kitts come fully equipped with their own hospitals. This makes the students take on the experience of working in real situations and with real patients. The Course Material is demanding, rigid and commands a high level of diligence and attention. If a student is not serious, he or she is sure to drop a year, as the authorities are very strict when it comes to promoting students. The best universities are truly global in character. This means that they not only attract teachers but also students from different countries in the world. In addition, the Best Caribbean Medical School has its students go out and perform as doctors in different parts of the world. You can see pass-outs practicing in different countries like USA, Canada, UK, India and elsewhere. Lastly, a Medical School cannot only be a center for churning out professionals. It also needs to create better human beings. This is where the location of Caribbean islands becomes such an interesting proposition. By being surrounded in the most exotic natural beauty, students have an opportunity to explore a life beyond the confines of the university. Conclusion: Selecting a medical school for higher studies cannot be just about your educational qualification. It always needs to be much more than that. A University needs to contribute to an individual’s holistic development. More students across the world are looking to pursue higher education in exotic destinations. This is because they want to have access to not only the best education; they also want to explore their own individuality, different cultures, people and places. If you are looking to pursue Medical Education from universities abroad, you should definitely explore some great universities in the Caribbean Islands. Read Also: Top Things To Know Before Entering A Medical Career Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most In-Demand 2020–2025 Why You Should Use A Recruitment Agency To Find Your Next Medical Job Seeking A Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers To Check Out

MAT Registration for February Session Started

The All India Management Institution (AIMA) has commenced the registration for the Management Aptitude Test (MAT 2019). The application form for MAT 2019 February Session is available for candidates on the official website of AIMA. This national level examination is a management entrance test which is conducted for MBA aspirants across the country. MAT 2019 will be conducted four times in a year i.e. in February, May, September, and December. Candidates are advised to check the eligibility criteria prescribed by the examination authority before applying to this national level examination. The scores obtained by the candidates in the MAT exam are valid only for a period of 12 months. Candidates who wish to pursue an MBA program in the management institutes across India can apply for MAT 2019 application form on the official website of AIMA. The entrance examination will be conducted in two modes namely Computer Based Test (CBT) mode and in Pen-Paper Based Test (PBT) mode. Candidates can appear for the examination in any of the modes. If an applicant selects both PBT and CBT mode, he/ she will have the option to choose seven management institutes instead of five. The application fee to apply for one mode of examination is INR 1550 and INR 2650 for both the modes. Students applying for MAT 2019 must remember that the exam schedule for PBT and CBT mode is different. The last date to apply for the PBT mode is February 8, 2019, whereas, for CBT mode, the last date to apply for the examination is February 12, 2019. Candidates are advised to apply for the examination well in advance and don’t wait for the last date to fill the application form. Exam Schedule for MAT 2019 For the February session of MAT 2019, the PBT mode of the entrance examination is likely to be conducted on February 17, 2019, only in one slot i.e. from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. AIMA will conduct this examination in 54 cities across India. However, the CBT mode of MAT 2019 will be conducted on February 23 in 31 cities across India. Depending on the number of registrations, AIMA is likely to conduct CBT mode of MAT 2019 in more than one slot in a day. Exam Pattern for MAT 2019 The exam pattern of this management entrance examination i.e. MAT 2019 is somewhat similar to the other national-level management entrance tests. The question paper comprises of five sections namely Language Comprehension, Intelligence, and Critical Reasoning, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis, and Sufficiency and Indian and Global Environment. Don’t forget that there is also negative marking in the entrance examination. For each incorrect answer -0.25 marks will be deducted. The Mathematical section of the exam usually consists of questions for Arithmetic section. Among Data Analysis and Sufficiency, questions are asked mainly from Data Interpretation (DI). The level of Analytical Reasoning is usually moderate and the English section comprises a mix of Verbal and RC questions. To excel in the entrance examination, candidates are advised to practice previous year question papers. The past papers will provide a concrete idea about the examination pattern and the level of questions likely to come in the entrance test. For complete details regarding the registration process of MAT 2019, candidates can refer to the official website of AIMA. Candidates must remember that merely qualifying MAT 2019 doesn’t guarantee admission to a management institute. For admission to management institutes, candidates need to apply for each of the institutes they wish to apply for separately. The examination conducting body just sends the score to the management institutes selected by the student. Only those candidates will receive the call for the interview who clear the cut off of MAT 2019. Before applying for the management institutes, candidates need to check the eligibility criteria and the selection procedure of the particular institute.

Children are Citizens: What are the Civil Rights of Children in Public Schools?

In the United States, children are given many of the same protections as are adults, namely, the right to equal protection. Simply put, children are entitled to the same treatment under the law regardless of race, gender, disability, or religion. Children also have the right to a safe environment, good nutrition, healthcare, and education. But when it comes to that last one, education, the rights of minors differ from those of adults. It's critical for parents and educators to understand the civil rights of children in the U.S public education system. Federal vs. State: In the U.S., the federal law governing education is limited. The Tenth Amendment provides that state and local governments decide most education policies. Parents can't assume the federal government will protect children in the public school system. You can find state-specific information here. However, there are basic rights provided to all public school children. Free Education: Every child in the U.S. has the right to free, public school education. Parents and guardians should take a look at their state, district, and school policies. They'll want to find out exactly what is free and what they'll have to pay for. For example, a school can charge students for lunch, athletic equipment, and field trips. Protection from Discrimination: The U.S. Constitution guarantees equal treatment to all, including public school students. Schools can't discriminate against a student because of their gender, sexual orientation, home country, financial status or disability. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that male and female students are treated the same in school programs and activities that receive federal funding. Title IX also applies to higher education, career training and education for pregnant students. Students who've had children are protected too. Title IX covers employment and math and science education. Sexual harassment, standardized testing and technology are also included. Parents and guardians who feel their student is being discriminated against can contact the ACLU for help. Safety in School: Civil rights laws are in place to protect students from bullying at all public schools. Teachers and other students can't harass someone because of their race or national origin. Gender, disability, ethnic background, and religion are also protected. School safety has been in the spotlight a lot, especially after the shootings at Sandy Hook and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Schools have come up with safety plans, required active shooter drills and in some cases, even allowed teachers to carry guns. In the 2015–16 school year, 94 percent of public schools said they controlled access to school buildings. They did so by locking or monitoring doors during school hours. If your child is injured at school due to negligence, you'll want more info on your rights and possible compensation. Freedom of Speech and Religion: Public school students have a limited right to free speech. They're often encouraged to speak their mind and share their opinions. But schools can limit the student's right to free speech if they feel it might hurt other students. Students keep their First Amendment right to freedom of speech, as long as they don't disrupt the educational process. Public school students also have the right to pray and take religious material to school. They also have the right to wear religious clothing like a hijab or yarmulke. Students' rights in public schools also include the right to talk about their faith. They're allowed to organize a religious club and miss school for religious holidays. It's illegal for any school or employee to push a particular religion on students. They can't encourage students to join a religious organization. And, they can't discriminate against students who don't practice any religion. Homeschooling: Some parents would rather keep their children out of the public school system entirely. Federal law protects their right to teach their children at home. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Every state has its own regulations that parents have to follow. You can look up state-specific laws here. Civil Rights of Children Include the Right to Privacy: Federal and state governments often gather information about students for research and education-related purposes. Students might be asked to fill out surveys that ask about their alcohol or drug use, their home life, their diet, and their mental health status. Public school students have the right to opt-out of these questionnaires without fear of reprisals. It's illegal to penalize children for refusing to take the surveys. Protection for Students with Special Needs: Federal law gives every student who qualifies an individually-designed instruction program for free. Parents can ask to have their student professionally evaluated. That way, they'll know exactly what the student's academic and social needs are. Qualified students may learn in a regular classroom and get help from a specialist. Or, they could study in a smaller group of students. These kids might need individual or small-group instruction. A student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Section 504 provide a road map for schools that are teaching students with learning and emotional disabilities. It covers mental and physical disabilities, too. Parents who understand their student's IEP can better support their child at home, just as teachers will better understand their condition. Opting out of Sex Education and HIV/AIDS Prevention: Some parents don’t want schools to teach their students about sexual health. They may not want their student to learn about HIV and AIDS prevention in school, either. Students can opt-out of these lessons if their parents request an exemption in writing. Free Education for Immigrants: Children of immigrants have the right to free public school education in the U.S. They have the right to go to school without worrying about deportation or discrimination. Their parents don't have to show a green card, a visa, a passport or an alien registration number to enroll their children. Wrapping It Up: Children under the age of 18 are still developing physically and mentally, and they aren't given all the same rights as adults. Children can't vote, own property or agree to medical treatment. But the U.S. Constitution does protect the civil rights of children by saying they're entitled to a safe environment, good nutrition, healthcare, and education. For more information about the importance of education and its role in the success of our children in the global economy, please visit us! Read Also: How Stress During Studies Can Affect The Health Of Your Children? The Essential Reasons Why Modular Classrooms May Be Your Best Option

Tips on Writing a Winning Reflection Paper in College

Start with simple pre-writing activities :

Begin organizing your reflections :

Remember that the personal essay is, well, personal :

Transform Portals Of Learning

How To Choose The Right Rock Climbing School

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea

How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?

7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design

The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses

Follow Us

Recent

Cybersecurity Threats In Asset Tracking And Strategies To Mitigate

How To Invest In Yourself For A Stress-Free Daily Life

How Many Jobs Are Available in Consumer Services in 2024?

Top 9 Signs You Will Get The Job After Interview

Related

Caribbean- The Most Exotic Destination To Study Medicine

MAT Registration for February Session Started

Children are Citizens: What are the Civil Rights of Children in Public Schools?

Tips on Writing a Winning Reflection Paper in College

Start with simple pre-writing activities :

Begin organizing your reflections :

Remember that the personal essay is, well, personal :

Share this Article

Transform Portals Of Learning

How To Choose The Right Rock Climbing School

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related