The UFHRD Teaching and Learning Resource Bank
Initiative Title
A critical incident template to aid students’ reflective learning
Authors
Dr. Fiona Robson, Newcastle Business School
Dr. Lynne Powell, Newcastle Business School
Dr. Gillian Forster, Newcastle Business School
Reflection, reflective practice, assessment, critical incidents
Key Words
Context
This is currently used as a template for all postgraduate students who
complete a core module on ‘Developing Self’.
Purpose
This template can be used as part of an assignment brief where students are
required to reflect upon their learning experiences. It was designed in
response to the fact that in the past students’ reflective learning assignments
were rarely well-constructed and failed to provide specific examples. The
template helps students to ensure that they provide relevant information to
guide their reflections.
How it works
The attached document forms part of an assessment where students are
required to reflect on three critical incidents. At Newcastle Business School
they are required to complete three of these templates and must ensure that
at least one critical incident is from their participatory learning residential
weekend.
We support students by allowing them to submit one completed template
(half way through the semester) for formative feedback.
Evaluation/Feedback Feedback from the teaching team has been very positive that this resource
has helped students to be able to reflect on their experiences. The use of the
template has seen an improvement in student results on this module.
Appendices
Appendix One: Instructions to students for this element of the assessment
Appendix Two: Template for completion by students as part of the
assessment
Appendix Three: Excerpt from marking grid for this element of the
assessment
Appendix One: Instructions to students for this element of the assessment
Using the attached template, write three separate critical incidents to reflect upon the findings and
implications from three self analysis toolkits from the module (e.g. Belbin, Emotional Intelligence,
Management Competencies, Personality tests). This is worth 45% of overall marks – approx 2000
words.
Please note you must:

Ensure you use one critical incident from the residential weekend which demonstrates a clear link
to how you have met Postgraduate Goal Two (Be culturally and ethically aware) and Objective
One (Demonstrate their ability to work in diverse groups and teams).

Attach the results of the toolkits you have chosen as an appendix to this assignment.
Appendix Two: Template for completion by students as part of the assessment
Template One
My chosen toolkit is:
______________________________________________________________
Summary of critical incident (use detailed critical incidents from your module activities, residential
weekend, past experiences etc).
How does this reflect the findings of your chosen self analysis toolkit?
Identify the key strengths and weaknesses identified within this critical incident
What are the implications for future career or personal development?
Appendix Three: Excerpt from marking grid for this element of the assessment
20 – 39%
Fail
40 – 49%
Fail
50 – 59%
Pass
60 – 69%
Commendation
Failure to use the
required template
Failure to provide a
‘critical’ incident
No discussion of
relevant toolkit
findings
Inappropriate
identification of
strengths and
weaknesses
No discussion of
future implications
Inappropriate use
of template
No recognisable
‘critical’ incident
Failure to select a
suitable toolkit
Inappropriate or
irrelevant
discussion of toolkit
findings
Strengths and
weaknesses
inconsistent
Poor discussion of
future career
implications
The CI is unclear
Incident is not
sufficiently focused on
self
Choice of toolkit is
poor and/or not
relevant
Discussion of findings
is not detailed enough
Strengths and
weaknesses not
discussed
sufficiently
Inadequate
discussion of future
career implications
An adequate CI has
been outlined
Appropriate toolkit
selected
Discussion of the
toolkit findings is
adequate
Identification of
appropriate strengths
and weaknesses
Adequate reference to
future career
implications
A strong and detailed
CI has been provided
Strong focus on self in
the CI
Detailed discussion of
toolkit findings
Relevant strengths and
weaknesses are
highlighted
Clear reference to
future career
implications
A very strong CI has
been outlined
Very strong focus on
self in the CI
Identifies patterns of
behaviour within CI
Critical discussion of
toolkit findings with
supporting references
Excellent analysis of
strengths and
weaknesses
Detailed future
implications are
outlined.
Clearer CI(s)
Stronger focus on self in
CI(s)
Use of more
appropriate toolkit(s)
More detailed
discussion of toolkit
findings
A more critical
approach to findings
Stronger discussion on
future implications
Supporting references
to enhance arguments
0-2 marks
3-5.5 marks
6-7 marks
7.5-8.5 marks
9-10 marks
10.5-15 marks
0-2 marks
Critical Incident 1 (15%)
0-19%
Fail
70 – 100%
Distinction
Areas for
improvement