From kindergarten through graduate school, students are engaging with new information by writing down their thoughts on what they’ve learned in journals, online discussions, and writing assignments. These self-reflective activities are becoming more common thanks to research that finds students develop into more successful learners when they take time to think and write about what they have learned.

What is self-reflective learning

In self-reflective learning, students actively analyze and consider their experience in a writing assignment. Ideally, students receive regular feedback from their instructor and peers. Students articulate their opinions, how challenges and mistakes contributed to their learning experience, and project future applications for what they learned.

Why it’s important

A study by TUW instructors found that activities such as discussions and self-reflective writing assignments can lead to improved academic performance. According to the study, students performed better from their first course all the way through to their capstone. Overall GPAs were higher for students in courses with self-reflective learning and students completed their Masters programs up to a year faster.

What you can expect in a self-reflective online classroom

If you are a student in an online course, there are a few ways you will practice self-reflective learning.

Discussions: Faculty encourage reflection in online discussions by asking probing questions to facilitate students share what they learned. Students are asked to detail strategies used to make decisions, problem solve, and collaborate.

Case studies: Students learn to be insightful and make connections by researching, analyzing, and evaluating a topic. The learning reflection is encouraged as students articulate their opinions and provide critical interpretations.

Journals and Reflective Writing: The process of writing self-reflections has been shown to be particularly effective in encouraging students to understand and articulate their learning experience and its applications.

You can experience this innovative style of learning by enrolling in Touro University Worldwide’s online degree programs. Expert faculty will guide you through self-reflective learning, while offering real-world experience and training. Graduate ready to effectively contribute to your field. Click here to browse TUW’s online degree programs.