A journal is used to record thoughts, ideas, observations, and reflections in order to gain understanding and further learning. It contains written notes, diagrams, drawings, sketches, and personal insights, observations, questions, and thoughts on the work of others. Content includes raw, unprocessed observations recorded close to events as well as reflections on connections and unexpected occurrences. Journaling helps answer questions about what happened, why, thoughts and conclusions, and future actions. Users should write often, include dates and times, write freely without hesitation, and record information even if not immediately relevant. Keeping a journal can be used to describe and evaluate key events in practice, engage in focused evaluation of themes, reflect on habits, and develop and assess actions

1. what is a journal?

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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?

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

8. break

9. other writings intention why visibility other writing blog PDP

10. 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?