Reflective journals are written records that are created by students as they think about different aspects of their learning, critical incidents involved in their learning, interactions with peers and assessors, over a learning period in order to gain insight into their learning (Thorpe, 2004).
Journaling is paramount in sustaining self-reflection as you become aware of own actions and plan towards better future outcomes. Journaling in itself, especially when it involves handwritten words, helps the brain to highlight on the idea or words written and stores it as relevant, focusing on it until the goal is achieved (Wellman Psychology, 2019).
Student who keep journals become more sophisticated learners with greater awareness of cognitive strategies and develop more complex knowledge structures, and perform exceptionally well in their final exams (Lew & Schmidt, 2011).
This journal will help students and newly qualified nurses to think about their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and potential threats; be mindful and be aware of their emotions daily- write affirmations, gratitude and practise positive self-talk, think about daily self care and well-being, and reflect on their practice or learning daily.
