Reflection/reflective writing is a form of verbal or written expression (often LOW-STAKES) in which writers explore their responses to a given academic task or subject. This type of writing is heavily emphasized in Rhetoric and Composition classes, as well as General Education and WAC curriculums. Reflection occurs in many disciplines and in many forms, including educational settings, the sciences, social work, artistic fields, and even athletic endeavors. Many fields use formal and informal observations along with notebooks and field research as reflective activities. Discussion sections in academic articles following the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) format are also a form of formal reflection (See alsoMETACOGNITION.)