We're used to writing descriptively about what we did and how we did it. But it's also useful to reflect on what we've done. Consider the difference between a diary entry that's just a list of places and names, and an intimate journal outlining your feelings, regrets, and other thoughts about those encounters. We can use these same approaches in an academic or professional setting, to reflect on the work we've done and what we may have learnt from that experience.

Reflective writing goes beyond just a description of an event or situation. Simple description doesn’t pose any questions or offer any thoughts on what happened or why.

When writing in a reflective way you need to ‘stand back from the event’, ask questions about what happened and offer your thoughts, answers and conclusions.

A reflective approach is useful as it will help you to analyse your behaviour (how you approached the task), consider the positives and also the areas to address for improvement in the future.

• Consider the influence of your own emotional response to a situation and try to understand and deal effectively with this
• Question and challenge your own ideas and values
• Recognise the relevance of prior experience
• Take into account the views of others

Your values reflect what is most important to you, in the way you live and work. Identifying and understanding your values can help you determine your priorities in life. Acknowledging your values when exploring opportunities or making plans and decisions can make both your professional and personal life happier and more fulfilling.

The list of potential values is endless! Respect, ambition, health, and adaptability are just a few examples.

You need to narrow down your choices -- try the Barrett Values assessment in the links below. Looking at a list of values will make it much easier and will help you to think about your own values and behaviours.

If you are writing about your values, you need to give evidence in the form of examples from your own experiences. This will help you to explain to others why certain values are important to you.

Have a look at the examples below, the values are in bold:

• ‘My role as RAG Officer helped me to see how important making a difference is to me.’

• ‘Joining several sports teams has made me realise that I feel happier and more fulfilled when I am part of a team.’

• ‘My part time job in a restaurant has taught me the value of adaptability and not worrying if things don’t always go to plan!’