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Journal 4: Reflection

 

Yancy refers to reflection as “process” and “products” of accomplishing certain tasks.  To her, reflection is ongoing and constantly being developed.  In the case of writing, she and others have assessed how individuals learn to write and found a relationship between able and non-abled writers.  The key link between the two groups is their ability to project, reflect on, and revise their ideas.  

 

Reflection is so important in good writing because according to Phelps, it is the unifying between what is known and how it is executed.  "Practice" and “theory” are separate, but related entities that display just how much one understands about thoughts and writing and the process of reflection can cultivate better skill in that area. Writers who engage in reflection are able to see their process as a whole and be able to better embody what it is they plan on speaking or writing about.  Reflection is a course of action and the constant process of think ahead and revising engages the writer on a deeper level.  Writers can make connections that then can be easily translated into words.

 

In rhetorical situations reflection is needed into to take in the whole and understand the entirety of the situation or context of what is presented.  Developing or improving upon genre presentation also requires reflection if one wants to translate a message clearly to the intended audience.  

 

This image represents a reflective process in three ways.  The view is from a window looking out and into the world in a forward perspective.  The window creates a reflection and shows what is behind.  The sunset signifies the end of a day, but also the beginning of a new moment.  Reflection can be an unending cyclical process. One can control the process for as long as they want and through each glimpse into the future or the past, new discoveries can be made.  Reflection is a skill that can be cultivated and can lead to a deeper understanding of anything; writing or life.