First, reflective statements shed important light on the form and content of students’ written
work. Second, they help students become aware of their preferred approaches to writing, and
enable them to take risks to try new and more productive strategies on a particular task. Third,
when revising, students may examine their reflections on their earlier process of writing and
consider alternative processes or approaches. Fourth, reflective writing produces an intimacy
between students and teachers that enables teachers to respond to and encourage students’ growth
in writing skills. Lastly, the reflective statements give teachers insights into students’ thinking
and development not normally accessible otherwise.