Problem Solving, Creativity and Solution Setting

Reflection Paper 1000 words.

Learning Objectives: This subject addresses Subject Learning Objectives 3 and 4. 

Assessment Description: In a written reflective essay of no more than 1000 words, discuss how creativity contributed to the development of possible solutions. Also, discuss how you arrived at the justification of your preferred solution.

Assessment Criteria:

· Quality of expression and effective use of generic conventions for a written reflective essay

· Clarity around the definition of creativity in the context of business problem identification and solutions

· Convincing arguments linking the creative process to different elements of the developed solutions

· Convincing justification for why the recommended solution and implementation plan is selected.

Reflective writing

Reflective writing has been proven to be an effective learning strategy. So, lets consider what reflection is and is not.

Reflection is: 

· a form of personal response to experiences, situations, events or new information.

· a 'processing' phase where thinking and learning take place.

There is neither a right nor a wrong way of reflective thinking, there are just questions to explore.

Doing this involves revisiting your prior experience and knowledge of the topic you are exploring. It also involves considering how and why you think the way you do. The examination of your beliefs, values, attitudes and assumptions forms the foundation of your understanding. 

Reflective thinking demands that you recognise that you bring valuable knowledge to every experience. It helps you therefore to recognise and clarify the important connections between what you already know and what you are learning. It is a way of helping you to become an active, aware and critical learner.

What is reflective writing?

Reflective writing is:

· documenting your response to experiences, opinions, events or new information

· communicating your response to thoughts and feelings

· a way of exploring your learning

· an opportunity to gain self-knowledge

· a way to achieve clarity and better understanding of what you are learning

· a chance to develop and reinforce writing skills

· a way of making meaning out of what you study

Reflective writing is not:

· just conveying information, instruction or argument

· pure description, though there may be descriptive elements

· straightforward decision or judgement, e.g. about whether something is right or wrong, good or bad

· simple problem-solving

· a summary of course notes

· a standard university essay.

Three videos are provided which will give you a brief on what the reflective process is and how to go about writing a reflective essay.  

· How to write a reflective essay

· Reflective writing, the process

· Reflective writing - getting it done