what is a journal?

a journal is a place for... Recording thoughts, ideas, observations, things Reflecting to gain understanding Analyzing to further your learning Concluding setting out what you have thought about

what’s in it - actual? written notes diagrams drawings sketches

what’s in it - ideas? personal insight observations questions speculation the work of others

content raw un-thought-out observations recorded close to the action think police note book reflection stuff you have thought about connections notes on the unexpected

questions what happened? why did it happen? what do I think about this? what should I do as a result of this? how do I do this?

how to use it write often note down dates and times write freely - without hesitation write down stuff even if its not relevant

other writings intention why visibility other writing blog PDP

to conclude It should be: A record which is useful to you A cue to memory Honestly written Enjoyable to you in its production It can be used: To describe key events in your practice To evaluate key events in your practice To engage in focused evaluation of recurring themes Reflect on what may have become habitual Develop and appraise action taken Getting Started: Set aside time for writing Allow time for the sifting of thoughts and ideas Do not worry about style, presentation Remember that the aim is to facilitate reflection on practice Find evidence to back-up your thoughts: what evidence do I have for what I have just written? Begin by asking: How do I see my role as a student on workplace placement (purposes and intentions)? Why did I become a student? What kind of practitioner do I think I am?

It should be:

A record which is useful to you

A cue to memory

Honestly written

Enjoyable to you in its production

It can be used:

To describe key events in your practice

To evaluate key events in your practice

To engage in focused evaluation of recurring themes

Reflect on what may have become habitual

Develop and appraise action taken

Getting Started:

Set aside time for writing

Allow time for the sifting of thoughts and ideas

Do not worry about style, presentation

Remember that the aim is to facilitate reflection on practice

Find evidence to back-up your thoughts: what evidence do I have for what I have just written?

Begin by asking:

How do I see my role as a student on workplace placement (purposes and intentions)?

Why did I become a student?

What kind of practitioner do I think I am?