Reflective Essay on My Experiences in the Module

Assignment Brief

Question:

Write a reflective essay on your experiences on the module so far.

Critically evaluate your work process on the course and suggest potential improvements where necessary.

You may want to consider

• Your approach to Coursework 1 and the mark/feedback you got for it.

• Your engagement with the learning materials and class discussions.

Please note the reflection is limited to this module alone; please do not reflect on other aspects of your course unless using it as a relevant comparison to an aspect of this module.

Word Limit: 1000 words excluding bibliography.

Sample Answer

Reflective Essay on My Experiences in the Module

Introduction

Reflecting on my experiences in this module has been both rewarding and revealing. It has given me the opportunity to assess how I have engaged with the course content, responded to feedback, and adapted my learning habits. When I began the module, I was confident in my general academic abilities but less aware of how my personal learning style would influence my performance in a more intensive, analytical environment. Over time, I developed a clearer understanding of what it means to work critically, collaborate effectively, and produce assignments that demonstrate depth of thought rather than surface-level understanding. This reflection aims to evaluate my progress so far, focusing particularly on my approach to Coursework 1, the feedback I received, and my engagement with the learning materials and class discussions.

Reflection on Coursework 1

My experience with Coursework 1 was both challenging and instructive. The task required critical analysis, structured argumentation, and engagement with academic sources. Initially, I underestimated the amount of preparation necessary for developing a well-supported argument. I focused heavily on gathering information without spending enough time evaluating which sources were most relevant to the essay question. As a result, my first draft was informative but lacked a strong central argument.

When I received my mark and feedback, I realized that the issue was not the lack of effort but the lack of strategic planning. The tutor’s comments highlighted that my work showed good understanding of the topic but needed clearer critical engagement and more evidence of synthesis between different readings. This feedback helped me see the gap between knowing and analysing , a distinction that I had not fully appreciated before.

Since receiving that feedback, I have been more deliberate in how I plan written assignments. I now begin by outlining my argument before I start researching. This helps me stay focused and ensures that the evidence I gather supports my central claim rather than distracts from it. I also started using tools such as online reference managers to organize sources, which has made it easier to integrate citations coherently into my writing.

One of the most significant lessons from Coursework 1 was understanding the importance of feedback as a developmental tool rather than a critique of ability. Instead of seeing a grade as the final judgment, I now treat it as an indicator of where I can improve. This shift in perspective has made me more open to constructive criticism and more confident about seeking clarification when something in the feedback is unclear.

Engagement with Learning Materials

My engagement with the learning materials has evolved over the course of the module. In the beginning, I tended to rely mainly on lecture slides and summaries provided in class. However, as the module progressed, I realized that this surface-level approach limited my ability to engage in deeper analysis. The readings assigned each week, though often dense, contained critical insights that helped me connect theoretical perspectives to practical examples.

To improve my understanding, I began to read more actively, taking notes in my own words and highlighting key arguments or conflicting viewpoints. This approach made it easier to recall information during discussions and while writing assignments. I also learned that reading critically does not mean agreeing with every author. Instead, it involves questioning assumptions, identifying biases, and considering alternative perspectives. This mindset made the learning process more interactive and intellectually stimulating.

In addition, I started making better use of the online learning platform. Watching recorded lectures, revisiting discussion threads, and accessing supplementary materials helped me reinforce concepts that I initially found difficult. Engaging with online forums also gave me the chance to learn from peers, whose interpretations often provided fresh insights or challenged my own understanding of a topic.

Participation in Class Discussions

Participation in class discussions has been another valuable part of my learning experience. Initially, I was hesitant to contribute because I felt uncertain about whether my ideas were “good enough.” However, as I became more familiar with the content and saw how others shared their opinions freely, I gained the confidence to speak up.

Contributing to discussions not only helped clarify my understanding but also developed my ability to articulate arguments clearly and respond to differing opinions respectfully. I noticed that the sessions where I participated actively were the ones where I retained the most information afterward. Listening to my classmates’ perspectives also reminded me that learning is not a solitary process. Theories and readings became more meaningful when discussed collectively and applied to real-world scenarios.

That said, I also recognize that my participation can still improve. There were times when I could have prepared more thoroughly for a seminar or followed up on a class discussion by reviewing related readings. To address this, I plan to adopt a more proactive approach by preparing short notes or questions in advance. This will help me engage more confidently and make my contributions more thoughtful.

Continued...