Reflection: making it useful

Foundation Study Support

Session focus
What is reflection? check you understand Examine some examples What is the difference between description and reflection? Using your reflective journal to show your journey on Foundation Using reflection to develop your ideas and your work

Dont do iceberg reflection make your thoughts visible

Today was my first attempt at designing a type face from scratch. I tried out a design for a type face. It wasnt very successful at first. I also want to experiment with adding serifs. Then I will start experimenting with subverting type, which is an idea I got from an exhibition I went to.

Most of the writers thoughts are invisible...

Reflect before, during & after

Before: reflect on: Your research & previous experience What do you expect? After: During: reflect on: How are things going? Any surprises? Any issues you need to think about? Solutions?

Evaluate your successes Make action plans to improve your approach next time, including research

What can you reflect on?

project briefs your research your ideas materials and methods your project work feedback from tutors and students etc

Write clear reflection

imagine a tutor is interviewing you
be clear - explain what you mean write why you did things - explain decisions and actions

be specific

Questions to prompt reflection

(see handout on moodle for more prompts)

Example prompts: your own current work

Description: What is this work? How did you make it? What techniques or materials did you use? How long did it take you? What research inspired or influenced this work? What was your intention for this work - what did you want it to do or be? Evaluation: Do you think the work is effective? How & why? Action planning: How could you improve this work? What will you do now?

Example prompts: research

How has research changed your view of the project/theme? Or supported your view? What research references are most interesting to you at the moment? How are your research references inspiring / influencing your work? What practitioners have you found recently and why are you interested in their work?

Review
What is reflection? check you understand Examine some examples What is the difference between description and reflection? Using your reflective journal to show your journey on Foundation Using reflection to develop your ideas and your work