Reflection and Journaling

A guide to reflecting and journaling to help you make the most of your study time on this programme.

If you prefer a printed copy of this guide you can find a printable version in the section called transcriptions and printable documents.

4. Ways to journal

A written journal is one way of journaling and doing this with a pen rather than typing is perhaps more helpful as it slows the process down and encourages deeper reflection.

There are of course other ways of journaling too.  You might use photographs or other images, create a blog or vlog, write poetry or draw pictures – or use a combination of methods.

Here's a list of some ways you might create your journal:

  • Text account – either electronic or on paper - like a diary - in a notebook or via a text file on your laptop or tablet.
  • Audio presentation: voice account/music/interview/other sound combination i.e., you might just speak your thoughts out loud using the voice memo feature on a smartphone, for example, or play record a piece of music if that is how you want to express your reflection.
  • Blog – can be created using a tool like Blogger or WordPress - make sure to decide if you want it to be private or public and adjust your settings accordingly.
  • Photographic presentation of one or more photos/slides, maybe a photo slider presentation online (like a projector slideshow offline) on a blog or webpage.  
  • Video presentation – either directly recorded on a mobile phone or via a YouTube channel (or other web presence) you might have or create. YouTube can also be used to link up Vlog posting(s).
  • Artwork of any kind (e.g., pottery; painting; photo/video montage; patchwork; screen print or any kind of physical creation. You might then photo/video/blog/vlog the result via a webpage or blog etc.).

In all cases you can always add notes to explain or clarify what you are presenting.