Reflective writing differs from the more objective forms of writing you do in assignments and reports.
Reflective writing encourages you to reflect upon your own thoughts, actions and experiences as they relate to what and how you are learning.
"Learning to write reflectively will equip you with the relevant ethical and analytical ability to benefit from your practical experiences.Reflection may be articulated differently, depending on whether you are speaking or writing about your experiences."
(Howatson-Jones, L (2010). Reflecting writing. In Reflective practice in nursing. Exeter; Learning Matters p. 120-121)
The Reflective Journal by
This is the second edition of Barbara Bassot's hugely popular book is a uniquely inspiring introduction to critically reflective practice. Using bite-sized theory combined with plentiful guidance and supporting activities, this book gives the reader a place to reflect on their learning and use writing as a tool for developing their thinking. Critical reflection is an essential skill for anyone undertaking qualifying professional programmes such as social work, nursing, health, teaching, childhood studies and youth and community work degrees. Whether being taught as a discrete module or as a major theme embedded in all teaching, this is essential reading for anyone wanting to improve their practise and deliver the best service possible.
Theory into Practice by
Reflective journals have been used by post-secondary educators in a wide variety of teacher-training courses to encourage students to better understand the topics that they are studying. Reflective journals are often used in courses in which pre-service and in-service teachers are studying both the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject matter such as secondary teaching methods, language and literacy, teacher education, and outdoor education. While there are books on the market that address some facets of reflective journaling, there are no integrative books such as Reflective Journaling: Unlocking the Power and the Potential that are targeted specifically to pre-service and in-service teachers. There are few resources currently available to teachers wishing to use reflective journals that include: the theoretical underpinnings of reflection, the integration and impacts of research on the praxis of journaling in each chapter, and practical strategies for successful, fun journal writing for students. This book addresses this need by providing "full coverage" of using reflective journals as a pedagogical tool. Reflective Journaling: Unlocking the Power and the Potential includes four figures, 15 tables, 25 works of art, four cartoons, and 10 photos that enhance each chapter.
Transformation Through Journal Writing by
Transformation through Journal Writing is a grounded guide to self reflection through journaling for those in the helping professions. Journals are shown to be an effective method of self-care and self-development. Full of inspiring and original ideas, this book provides everything you need to know about developing and advancing journaling skills. It covers a range of different styles, from the logical and structured use of templates, frameworks and models, to the creative and organic process of art journaling. Each technique and its transformative potential are clearly explained, and readers are encouraged to start writing through expertly crafted exercises and journal examples. It is a flexible resource that will inspire readers to start a reflective journal for the first time or to try out new techniques and methodologies. A comprehensive handbook to self-reflective journaling, this book will be of interest to everyone in the health professions including complementary and alternative practitioners, supervisors, counsellors, psychotherapists, and art, music and drama therapists.
A reflective journal is a personal and unstructured form of reflective writing. In a learning journal you can write about:
Why write a reflective journal?
How?
Your journal could include reflective running notes on:
(Adapted from Gillie Bolton (2005). Reflective Practice: writing and professional development.2nd Ed.)
Guidelines for keeping a reflective diary/journal & writing up critical reflective incidents
Ask yourself:
What did I learn from the situation?
In what way has it assisted my learning to be a health practitioner?
Could the situation have been better managed?
(From: Johns (1992) & Carper (1978) in P. Palmer, S. Burns and C. Bulman, C., Reflective Practice in Nursing (1994). London. Blackwell Scientific Publications. p. 112).
