The Cardiff Global Award 2015 - 2016 Essential Guide

Award Requirements:
Reflections
The Cardiff Award provides you with the opportunity to undertake experiential learning through your
extra-curricular activities. This experiential learning (learning through experience) differs greatly from
the structured theoretical learning you undergo at University It is largely unstructured; it is more
personal, individualised and often unconsciously gained.
We provide you with reflective accounts (hard and electronic copies) and encourage you to reflect after
each activity.
• It is important that you reflect on all of the activities and situations you were involved with
during the Award.
• Please use as many sheets as necessary - it will help to enhance your learning from this
experience and will make evidencing your skills easier.
• Your reflective accounts are not assessed but will help you pass the Award to a high standard.
There are huge benefits to reflecting, the following statements are from previous Award students:
“I liked the reflection forms - really made me think about my skills”
“Reflecting helped me identify my personal strengths and weaknesses, and
gain very helpful professional skills that will be helpful for me in my future
career”
The skill of being able to record and reflect on your learning, and the ability to articulate what you have
learnt is valuable and sought by employers. Not everyone will find it easy to think and write reflectively
– it is not a natural style of writing and is very different to the academic writing you are often used to.
Reflecting on your experience is key to your own learning development and self-awareness. You will be
reflecting on your professional behaviour; you therefore need to consider your skills and attributes and
your approach to tasks. Remember too, your reflection should be linked to your initial action plan
(completed after your self-audit) and could result in behavioural change.
When reflecting, you should record your feelings and consider the following:
• What went well?
• What did not go so well?
• How did your thoughts change after a specific incident?
• What did you learn from observing others?
• How were your thoughts influenced?
• What would you do differently in the future?
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