Assignment Details
You must select TWO (2) journals from these readings, which will form the basis for your reflective learning journal writing. For EACH of your selected two articles:
DESCRIPTION - Briefly describe an issue/concept/situation/incident within the article (referred to hereafter as the ‘event'). The event can be a single particular part or overall theme of the article.
ANALYSIS - Critically analyze the event e.g., Connections between event and reality of experiences or observations from your personal or professional world; what is important and why; Potential applications of the reading material to your own life.
LEARNING - e.g. what have you learnt from reflecting upon your analysis? What did you learn about the event and yourself? How can you use what you have learnt? Do you need to change attitudes, behavior, processes, values, etc.? What will you do differently in the future? How do you plan to use what you have learnt?
Some Guidelines
A reflective learning journal is not simply a diary but a thoughtful description that follows from reflective thinking. A reflective approach is required rather than a descriptive summary. Simple restatements of the concepts in the reading would not meet expectations for a reflective journal entry.
Each journal entry for each article must be structured into three sections - Description, Analysis, and Learning.
Writing style can be informal; be honest; let words flow; use your own simple words. All journals will be assured confidentiality.
For each article, 400-500 words are required (mostly in Analysis and Learning sections) - quality rather than quantity is sought.
Assessment criteria - clarity and depth of understanding, critical analysis, reflective thinking and learning; grammar
Background - Theory
Part of learning is reflecting upon your learning. A learning journal is essentially a vehicle for reflection. Reflective learning is the process of internally exploring an issue of concern which creates and clarifies meaning and results in new understandings. The creation of a reflective learning journal has three key steps:
Trigger - Reflection is triggered by thoughts and/or feelings about observation, event, issue, etc.
Analysis/Reflection - A critical analysis of the issue is undertaken. This can involve associating new knowledge with existing knowledge, linking theory and practice, or reinterpreting from different points of view. It uses one's own knowledge and experiences as well as any new knowledge resulting from the analysis process.
Learning - Reflection is not an end in itself but leads to learning outcomes such as a new way of doing or perceiving something, clarification of an issue or resolution of a problem. The learner develops a new perspective based on analysis and reflection. It leads to a perception for a need for change in the learner's world. A statement of planned actions may be produced.
The benefits of writing a reflective journal
Observation and awareness - Forces learners to draw out their experiences, articulate and assess them.
Clarification and understanding - Stimulated to develop understanding of concepts and crystallize beliefs. Helps bring clarity to material that appears ambiguous at first.
Critical thinking and Reflection - Journal writing facilitates reflection, to evaluate experiences, give in-depth consideration to issues and develop an understanding of their experiences.
Making Connections - Journal writing allows students to make connections, such as between: theory and practice; concepts and observations; readings and experience; beliefs and behaviors; old knowledge and new knowledge.