Teaching Journals

How do journals work?

The processes of journal writing can be linked with a three-stage reflective learning model described by Scanlon and Chernomas (1997).

• The First Stage of reflection is awareness. This could be stimulated by thoughts about an event in teaching which went well, or seemed problematic.
• In Stage 2 the individual critically analyses the event, exploring what happened and why. We consider how this experience relates to previous ideas and practice.
• At Stage 3 a new perspective emerges, or previous ideas are confirmed or reinforced, based on the reflection. From this, developments occur, in thinking or feelings and sometimes there will be changes in practice.

In summary, learning has taken place.