“Where would I begin? Where would I end? These are my first two questions to myself while writing my first reflective journal. I was nervous while first writing the reflective journal. Why? Is it obvious that I have no idea about it? I need a reflective journal example at that time. But how? Who will provide for me? I felt like I couldn’t write a good reflective journal.”
Reflective journals are only the personal records of the student’s experience. Moreover, it also involves analytical as well as cognitive skills. Well, it is not easy for everyone to write it. Thus, a student can need an example to write a good reflective journal.
What Is the Purpose of a Reflective Journal?
Well, before moving forward to see an example of a good reflective journal, let’s first understand its purpose. Why is there a need to write a reflective journal? Why does a student seek help with a reflective journal?
One needs to write a reflective journal because of the following reasons:
- To understand what actually happened with them.
- Well, to reflect why the particular thing occurs in that way only.
- Also, to explain the learning from the past and how you will improve in the future.
What Does A Reflective Journal Look Like?
Students look for the reflective journal example because they don’t have an exact idea about its format. However, there is no exact format for the reflective journal. But yes, it should always focus on your experience, learning, and research area.
However, you should write in the first person. Remember that this journal is a public document, so you should think about the reader while writing. They were not on your learning journey with you. Therefore, some context is necessary. Also, the presentation is less essential than the content.
What Are the Expert’s Tips for Writing a Good Reflective Journal?
The key to writing a reflective journal is to show what lessons you’ve learned from your experiences. However, you must intentionally attempt to recognize and analyze your thoughts in response to a particular experience to begin the reflective thinking process.
Below are some tips given by experts for the students who want help with a reflective journal.
- Determine the topic you’ll be writing about.
- Write down any connected concepts, and if you want to, try designing a diagram to connect all of the topics, theories, and ideas.
- Allow your thoughts to flow freely, knowing you’ll have plenty of time to revise your work later.
- Consider how your ideas are related to one another, then start writing.
A Reflective Journal Example
Finally, it’s time to see a reflective journal example.
“I lost my job. It was only a week ago; I believe my job security. However, I ended up with a termination. Well, it is because my boss believes I was inconsistent in my work. Additionally, she thinks I was not able to meet my daily KRAs. I was initially disappointed because I’m normally on time and finish whatever I can by the end of the day. I had no idea what she meant when she said I wasn’t consistent in my job.
Well, after giving it some thought, I decided that I could only do my best to finish the work that had been allocated. What she doesn’t understand is my problem. Firstly, all the things are good. However, after some time, I began receiving incomplete reports regularly. So, if I address them initially within the time, I will never lose my job. However, from now on, I will ensure that I am clear to my boss and communicate everything.”
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