Reflective journal

A reflective journal is a tool that allows students to record their thoughts, feelings and experiences and reflect on their learning. It is a personal document in which students can evaluate and analyse their own learning and achievements. A reflective journal is an effective way to help students gain insight into their own learning process, their strengths and weaknesses and how to improve their learning outcomes.

You can encourage students to update the journal regularly, and you can use it as a basis for conversations about the learning process or as part of assessment or evaluation. You can also use a reflective journal as a way for students to evaluate and improve their own learning. Give concrete instructions here so that students know what they are expected to write about. A reflective journal can take many forms, for example: fieldwork notes, laboratory log, a diary about the learning process, a portfolio, blog or vlog. You can also vary the length of the journal.

For example, use the reflective journal as:

• Evaluation of learning – have students update their journals regularly and have them submit them as part of the test. This gives you insight into their learning process and where any bottlenecks are.
• Self-evaluation – have students evaluate their own learning through the reflective journal. By doing this, they trace their own strengths and weaknesses, and can improve themselves.
• Creative assignment – have students present the reflective journal in a creative way, such as with a video, presentation or poster.
• Accounting for learning outcomes – use the reflective journal as part of the final evaluation, where students can account for and evaluate their own learning outcomes.

• Using reflective writing to deepen student learning – University of Minnesota
• Types of assessment methods: reflective journal – University of Hong Kong
• Reflective journal assessment: The application of good feedback practice to facilitating self-directed learning – Science Direct

Zie ook: 360-degrees feedback, Reflective interview, Professional conduct score form, Journaling and supervision and Collaboration skills score form, Research project, Product design, Case assignment.

VU Taxonomy?

Open Mind
Interpersonal skills
Oral communication
Written communication
Own reflexive attitude and responsibility in society
Responsible for own study career and study success

What total group size?

More than one hundred
Between fifty and one hundred
Up to fifty
Up to twenty five

What activity group size?

Individual
Small group (2-4 pers)