This is the Winter 2022 final website.

What is a Reflection

A running theme in this course will be reflecting on our work and our work practices.

A reflection is a way to examine the present while critically looking at the past in order to inform the future. It is also a vital part of the engineering process, and will be a vital part of you honing your skill as a Programmer, Computer Scientist, and/or Engineer.

(Image from All Planned out)

In general, what does it mean to reflect well:

• First and foremost, the reflection answers any guiding questions given in the prompt.
• The reflection contains specific details of the experience(s) being reflected upon. These details are described clearly and concisely and in such a way that a non-expert (in this field) reader can understand. Note that this did not say it has to be explained such that a novice reader can understand the problem deeply, nor should this be a simple factual recounting of a situation or situation(s).
• There is a “depth” to the reflection. There are a number of ways to make a reflection deep, thoughtful and thorough.
  • The reflection elaborates what the significance and meaning are of the given examples and why they are particularly important.
  • The reflection includes a personal reaction to the events or examples described. Reactions are open and honest and indicate the writer’s ability to appraise what is presented.
  • The reflection describes connections between these details and other events, examples, ideas or concepts from the past or present.
  • And importantly! The reflection should raise questions and/or have implications on future work.