Reflective writing is one of the common practices recommended to students in the context of autonomous learning. The aim of this presentation is to discuss whether and how reflective texts provide insight into students´ language learning also for other readers, for teachers, language advisors or teachers-researchers. It will be demonstrated that students´ language learning histories and learning logs can be used as pedagogical tools as well as research instruments. First, the presentation will suggest how to identify topics relevant for individual students as well as those shared more generally in students´ texts. Second, possible methods of extracting and analysing data from reflective texts will be examined and their limitations considered. The presentation hopes to confirm that investigating individual reflective texts can provide answers for complex research questions concerning students´ language learning.