Overview
You are to write a critically reflective essay covering your personal and professional development strategy in no more than 4,000 words.
Please ensure you apply the following:
- Include a title page with your student number and an appropriate title for your assignment (names should not be used).
- Add your student number in the header on each page.
- Margins should be at least 2.5 centimetres.
- Use at least a 12-point font of any readable letter type.
- Use 1.5 line spacing, justified.
- Include page numbers at the top of each page.
- The maximum word count is 4,000. The word count includes tables and figures; it does not include the reference list or appendices.
- Please note there is NO additional word allowance and if the word count is exceeded, the assessors will mark only until the 4,000 word limit is reached.
- Sub-headings may be used, if appropriate, to give structure to the assignment.
- Evidence collected for your essay may be attached as clearly numbered appendices to provide context.
- Please write your essay in the first person (I).
- Referencing – APA 7th referencing style should be used (not a bibliography).
Suggested Structure
Your reflective essay must conform to the normal structure of an essay and include both an introduction and a conclusion. You may use sub-headings to give structure to the essay. Use the reflective theories of your choice to guide your writing. Integrate relevant theory with your reflective writing throughout the essay.
Main themes to be covered include:
- Critical self-awareness through reflection on values, ethics and impact.
- Previous research experiences and assumptions.
- Channels of support identified for self-directed learning.
- Demonstration of a growth-mindset.
- Exploration of a range of strategies when planning for development.
- Ambitious and creative growth and development strategies.
- Use of reflective spirals to present a strategic view of the self.
- An integrated CPD plan.
- Wellbeing strategies.
The above are only intended as suggestions. As a reflective essay is personal by nature, you do not need to follow the sequence above – you can write your essay in a sequence that suits you. You may also choose to combine some of the themes and include others that are pertinent to your personal context and development plan.
Your appendices may include evidence to support your reflections, for example:
- Minutes of meetings
- Exhibition details
- Trade press
- Professional articles
- Newspapers
- Psychometric test results
- Self-awareness tools
or any other relevant documents