PrintIPDS Guide - Reflection
The role of reflection in professional development
Effective reflection is a technique that is of great importance in professional development. In order to learn from our professional experiences we need to be able to reflect upon them. As part of the IPDS, you are required to reflect on the experiences that you record in your portfolio and to write about this reflection.
As part of your IPDS portfolio, you must include a written reflective commentary on each of the six activities and one overall reflective commentary on your learning and development during the period of your studies.
The process of reflection
The process of reflection has three main stages.
- Returning to the experience
- Attending to your feelings about that experience
- Re-evaluating the experience
Many people naturally reflect back on new or significant experiences and we are asking you to demonstrate that learning process by writing down your reflection and including it in your IPDS portfolio.
For further guidance read the Study Aid on reflective writing (PDF 183kb).