Trinity's Guided Reflection

What type of experiences can I use this for?

Trinity’s Guided Reflection can be used for any experience you have gone through, e.g., your participation in a club or society, a summer job, a whole internship, or an event/incident that occurred within that time. It might take place over a year, over several months, or just a few weeks. The choice is yours.

When I complete the reflection cycle, what do I do with the document?

You should create a folder on your desktop and each time you download and complete the reflection save it to that folder using the date it was completed on in the file name.
Do not forget to download and save the tool before starting!

What can I use the reflection for?

The reflection can be used in many ways. We recommend saving the final reflection in section 3.1 into a separate document and adding to these reflections as you go along – this will be a valuable source of material to use when you are building a CV or preparing for interviews in the future.

• If you complete a number of reflections, you can apply for a digital Certificate of Completion, signed by the Dean of Students. Certificates are available at 3 levels: Novice (5 reflections), Intermediate (10 reflections) and Advanced (15+ reflections). All you have to do is submit your reflections to the Civic Engagement Officer at scamero@tcd.ie and you will be issued with a Certificate. Your reflections are not graded – the Certificate provides proof that you have engaged with reflection on your co- and extra-curricular activities.
• Use completed PDFs to accompany applications for Trinity awards (e.g. Dean of Student’s Awards, Sports Awards – see https://www.tcd.ie/students/reflection/awards/ for further details).
• Use the tool to prepare for any modules/internships/global exchanges that form a part of your programme of study and that involve reflection. Once you practice you will find it easier to complete reflective practice as it arises.

What are the Trinity Graduate Attributes?

Throughout your time at Trinity, you will be provided with opportunities to develop a range of graduate attributes that support your academic growth. Graduate attributes can be achieved in academic and co- and extra- curricular activities. See https://www.tcd.ie/courses/undergraduate/your-trinity-pathways/assets/Trinity-Graduate-Attributes.pdf  

Are there any sample reflections that I could take a look at?

Click here for some sample reflections.

Do I have to complete all of the sections?

No – you should complete sections 1 and 3. In section 2, you should complete one or more of the graduate attribute sub-sections that you think you have experienced.

I’ve never done this before – will I be able to do this on my own?

Yes – this is aimed at the complete beginner and the questions will guide you through the process. Each time you do it, you will become more used to the process which will lead to you being able to reflect at a deeper and more advanced level.
Additional Resources are available here.

I’d like to learn more about reflection – are there any resources available?

Yes – See https://www.tcd.ie/students/reflection/resources/ for additional learning resources.

I’d like to get some constructive feedback on my reflections so far – who can I contact?

The Civic Engagement Officer runs feedback clinics twice per semester. See https://www.tcd.ie/students/reflection/feedback/ for further details.