A reflective account essay is a type of writing that allows the writer to describe and analyze their own personal experiences or observations. The purpose of a reflective account is to reflect on and evaluate an experience, to identify what was learned from the experience, and to consider how the experience might inform future actions or decisions.
There are many different approaches that can be taken when writing a reflective account essay. One common approach is to use the structure of the "Gibbs Reflective Cycle." This model, developed by Graham Gibbs, consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan.
In the description stage, the writer describes the experience that is being reflected upon in detail. This might include the setting, the people involved, and the events that took place. The feelings stage involves examining and describing the emotions that were experienced during the experience. The evaluation stage involves considering the positive and negative aspects of the experience, as well as any personal biases or prejudices that might have influenced the writer's perspective.
The analysis stage involves breaking down the experience into smaller parts and examining each part in more detail. This might involve considering the context in which the experience took place, the actions and decisions made, and any external factors that might have influenced the outcome. The conclusion stage involves summarizing the key points of the reflection and considering the overall significance of the experience.
The action plan stage involves developing strategies for future action based on the insights gained from the reflection. This might involve identifying areas for improvement, setting goals, and making a plan for how to achieve those goals.
Overall, a reflective account essay is a valuable tool for self-examination and personal growth. It allows the writer to reflect on their own experiences and learn from them, as well as to consider how they might apply those lessons in the future.