What is a reflective journal
What is a reflective journal?
A reflective journal is a tool that students are encouraged to use to help them understand not just what they have learned while studying but also how they learned it by reflecting on the learning experience itself. This is a perfect way to fully understand the process by which you learn and also to help you work with your tutor to enhance your learning. However if you have been tasked with writing a reflective journal and are not sure how to go about it or feel that you just don’t have the time then our experts can help.
We are qualified to write your reflective journal
Writing a reflective journal is not a task that can be entrusted to just anyone. You need someone with good communication skills as well as an understanding of your course and how to write this form of journal. Our writers are specifically selected for their writing skills and experience in writing a reflective journal. When you request help from our service you will be working with a writer that is:
Highly experienced in writing reflective journals
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Is a native English speakerOne of the most commonly used and therapeutic ways to utilize your journal is to reflect upon experiences you deem profound or that had an impact on your life. Getting it all down on paper can really give you a completely different perspective on things. Writing in your journal can be an incredibly useful tool to help you better understand yourself and the world you operate in. Reflective learning journals are also a great way to find creative solutions to difficult problems.
So, what exactly is a Reflective Journal?
A reflective journal (aka a reflective diary) is the perfect place to jot down some of life’s biggest thoughts. In a reflective journal, you can write about a positive or negative event that you experienced, what it means or meant to you, and what you may have learned from that experience.
A well-written journal can be an important tool. As with any tool, to get the most benefits, you need practice. This could mean forcing yourself to write, at first, but after a while, it will become like second nature. Write down your entry as soon as possible after the event. This way, the details will still be fresh in your mind, which will help later in your analysis.
5 Reasons To Write a Reflective Journal
Reflective journals are most often used to record detailed descriptions of certain aspects of an event or thought. For example, who was there, what was the purpose of the event, what do you think about it, how does it make you feel, etc. Write down everything, even if you don’t have a clear idea of how this information will be helpful.
Here are some of the most common reasons why people find reflective journals so useful:
To make sense of things that happened. What you write should sound as if you are describing the details to someone who wasn’t there. Be as descriptive as possible. Just the act of writing down the details of what happened may give you perspective that you may not have otherwise considered had you just continued to think about it.
To speculate as to why something is the way it is. Your views can come from your own common sense, or from something you have heard at a lecture or read in a book. Either way, speculating why something is the way it is can be a very useful exercise in reasoning.
To align future actions with your reflected values and experiences. After positing your interpretation, continue to observe the subject of your speculation to decide whether you want to stick to your original views, or make changes. That is one of the great things about an online journal–you can make changes to your entries at any time.
To get thoughts and ideas out of your head. Writing down your thoughts can help relieve pressure or help resolve problems. It will also help you focus the task at hand.
To share your thoughts and ideas with others. Getting opinions from others about what you wrote can help you clarify your feelings for a deeper understanding of yourself.
The Reflective Journal Thought Process
When writing a reflective journal, you are simply documenting something that has happened in your life that requires you to make a change or consider the impact of your decision. Your journal, in many ways, is a dialogue that you are having with yourself. You are forcing your brain to think critically about something and to produce written words accordingly.
The worst thing you can do to a creative flow is to start inputting criticism before your thought is complete. Allow yourself the time to make a mistake and keep going. Who cares if you didn’t phrase that exactly how you should have or you didn’t spell that word right? Those things just aren’t important here. Find whatever works for you.
4 Tips To Get Your Reflective Journaling Started
Writing a reflective journal requires not only that you describe a learning experience, but also that you analyze the topics covered and articulate your feelings and opinions about the subject matter. There is no set structure for writing a reflective journal, as the diary is meant for your own use. The writing process is entirely free-form. However, there are certain guidelines to follow that will make you more successful at this. Here are some basic tips at how to write a reflective journal.
1. Always Keep the Journal Nearby
The first step in learning how to write a reflective journal is as simple as being prepared to jot down your thoughts and opinions on something you are learning anytime the mood strikes. For example, if you have an insightful observation about a book you’re reading while on the bus, it pays to have your journal with you. Penzu’s free diary software come in handy in such a situation, as online and mobile entries can be made in your Penzu journal from any location.
2. Make Regular Entries
While you can write in whatever form and style you please, it’s important to write regular entries, even if a moment of inspiration doesn’t arise. This ensures you are reviewing content and actively thinking about what you have learned. This will develop your writing and critical thinking skills while keeping you organized. In the end, this should enable you to better understand specific topics you are studying.
3. Participate, Observe, Summarize and Contemplate
While reflecting is the main part of keeping a reflective diary, it’s also vital that you first participate in a learning activity, make observations and summarize facts and experiences. For example, if you are writing a lab for science class, be sure to first cover what you did and what the goal and outcome of the experiment was prior to elaborating on your ideas and opinions of what was discovered. Reflective journaling is first about participating and observing before writing.
4. Review Regularly
Take time to read over previous journal entries and see how new experiences, additional knowledge and time have altered how you think and feel about the material you’ve been analyzing and contemplating. This will make the journal more valuable to you personally, as it will shed light on how you’ve grown.
Reflective Journal Topic Examples
To create a reflective journal that really provides detail on your overall perspective on a variety of different situations, consider using one of the prompts below to help with your thought process.
Write about which relationships have the most meaning to you and why. Include ways you can grow to help maintain these close relationships and get rid of the toxic relationships currently in your life.
Write about what you are learning at school or in college.
Write about someone in your life who has experienced a positive change and how you can learn from their situation.
Write about what you want out of the next five years of your life and what you can do to achieve these goals.
If you’re looking for more topic examples, check out these great reflective journal prompts
Reflective Journal Example
The passage below is a sample reflective diary entry about losing a job:
“This week I lost my job because my employer thought I was not consistent in my work. At first I was a little upset, because I’m always on time, and I complete what I can by the end of the day. I couldn’t figure out what she meant by stating that I wasn’t consistent in my work. After thinking about the situation, I realized that I can only complete the work assigned to the best of my ability. What she doesn’t realize is that the problem started because I constantly received incomplete reports. Whoever ends up with my former job will have the same issues if that problem isn’t addressed first. However, knowing that I did what I could will allow me to continue to move forward with a positive outlook for the future.
A reflective journal is a personal account of an educational experience that offers a variety of benefits, from enhancing your writing skills and helping you retain information to allowing you to express your thoughts on new ideas and theories.
When keeping a reflective journal, it’s important that you have privacy and convenience. Penzu’s online account and mobile platform offer secure access and the ability to write entries from anywhere, and your diary will never get lost or stolen.
So, what exactly are journal entries?
Journal entries are individual pieces of writing that populate your journal. They are expressions of personal growth, interests and opinions. They are usually between 500-1000 words and each entry can be about something different. Journal entries are usually kept private, as that allows people to write honestly.
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8 Tips for Writing Journal Entries
Getting started with a journal entry can be difficult, but they can take any form you like, from bible journal entries, to food journal entries, to dream journal entries. Here are some creative ideas to get you started.
1. Write a Letter
Pretend you are writing a letter to someone. The letter will not be sent, so you can say anything you want. Maybe you write things in this letter you were too scared to say in real life. It can be written to a single person or to a group of people. This is a healthy way to get things off your chest and say the things you are truly feeling. This also helps people deal with stress.
2. Write a List
Lists are always easy ways to get started. Think about writing a to-do list of things you want to accomplish over the next year. You can even write a list of things you want to write about in your journal. This can be like a brainstorming session for your writing.
3. Use a Photo
Penzu allows you to add pictures to your journal entries. If you are feeling stuck on what to write, add a picture and write about what it means to you. It can be a picture of a special moment, a special person, a special pet, or a special place. Use this image as a way to inspire you.
4. Describe a Character
Write about a person. It can be a stranger or someone you care about. Sit down and write about that person. It doesn’t matter if it is truth or fiction. You can let your imagination wander and write a story about what you think this person wants, likes, doesn’t like. Let your mind fill in the blanks and create a character in your mind.
5. Write a Poem
Try to write a poem. Think about a significant person and write about how that person makes you feel. Think about a place and how that makes you feel. Try and find emotion in the simple things in life.
6. Write a Dialogue
You can write an imaginary conversation between you and someone else. Or you can write an imaginary conversation between other people. This is a creative exercise that can help you prepare for an upcoming discussion or help you reflect on one that already happened.
7. Write a sprint
Put five minutes on the clock and write as fast as you can about whatever comes to mind. This is about just thinking on your feet and focusing on the task at hand. Let loose whatever ideas are at the front of your mind.
8. Write a memory
Identify a memory you find important, although it doesn’t have to be. It can just be something you think about often. Describe that memory and what it means to you. How does it make you feel? Are you fond of it? Who was involved? Paint a picture for yourself.
The best way to get started with your first journal entry is to download Penzu and begin writing using their software. It is easy-to-use, private and secure. All your posts are dated and saved, so all you need to worry about it what to write. Use this list and get started today!
