Creative and other media
You might find that you prefer to use different media or be creative about your reflections.
When doing personal reflection there are no restrictions to your process as long as it is reflective
When working through the reflective process some people find they either don’t need words or they want to use words to explore feelings and thoughts differently. This is a completely valid way of reflecting, and especially when it is private reflection there should be no other considerations than ensuring that your process meets the definition of reflection.
This means that painting, drawing, and song writing can all be reflective as long as it supports you in the reflective process. This also applies to a whole series of games and physical hobbies such as dancing.
When doing reflection with an audience it will require explanations
However, if you want to hand in a piece of creative work as a response to a reflective assignment it must be accompanied by words to explain the process and the thoughts behind it. Without these, it is likely your creative ability will be assessed and not you reflections.
Therefore, unless instructed otherwise, we recommend that if you are ever asked or choose to reflect creatively for an assignment that you either include a written appendix or include an explanation within the piece of work itself.
Types of creative reflection
This list is not exhaustive, but some ways people may like to express themselves and explore their thoughts and feelings can be through:
- Poems
- Filmmaking
- Song
- Paintings/drawing
- Films
- Storytelling
Important consideration
It is still very important to remember that, just like conversations with friends, while these creative activities can be reflective they aren’t automatically. It is only when a creative outlook helps make sense of experiences and thoughts, and challenges your taken-for-granted views, that it becomes reflection.