Module 1: Task 2b

Reflective Writing 

Journal Writing Experience

I found this task very interesting as I kept a diary throughout my childhood and took great care in recording the highlights of each day. Upon reflection these entries were quite brief and gave an account of an event or how I felt at that particular moment in time. The entries did not reflect anyone else’s view point or refer to me reflecting about how the day or event could have been changed or improved upon. This task has made me think about how I will record entries in my current journal, thinking about writing in a more descriptive interesting way. I enjoyed spending time writing and reflecting upon my day whether it was through descriptive writing, lists or a graph/pye chart.

Every day of my ‘Journal Writing Task’ I used a different writing method. Upon reflection trialling different methods surprised me in positive ways. On busy days I recorded my journal in a list format, I would bullet point the event then write next to it how I felt and what could have been changed or went well. On quieter evenings, when I had more time to record the day’s events, I wrote using the following methods: Descriptive, Evaluation and Another View.

Charts and graphs proposed a challenge in how and what information to record. Once I had chosen an event or activity to write about I found this method a really easy and quick way to record information. I enjoyed recording my gym session and house party. I call these notations ‘Abstract Journal Entries ‘and have displayed my recordings below:

My Morning Gym Session

Kris's Birthday/Leaving Party

Did Anything Surprise Me?

The method, ‘WHAT IF?’ was one of the writing styles that I enjoyed. I loved reviewing my day thinking about what I would have loved to have happened. Examples of this were:

• My make up to magically come off before bed 
• My Boyfriend to give me a piggy back home (didn’t want to walk)  :)
• Wish that the wine in the pub was free! 
• I wish the dance studio was always empty and available for me to rehearse or choreograph

Upon reflection I would never have thought about using this method, it was fun and I found myself recording random thoughts that were not even related to my professional practice.

1.        What could have happened?
2.        What would you hate to happen?

These methods gave me the opportunity to be creative and use my imagination in recording my journal entries. As a Professional Practitioner this method will certainly help me think about how to improve upon my interaction with students and how develop my teaching skills and different ways to structure my classes.

What methods did I find challenging?

I found the styles, ‘INITIAL REFLECTION & EVALUATION’, very hard not to integrate, as they are very similar. Subconsciously I would have emerged both methods together however I had to make a conscious effort to differentiate the two. Both topics include my views, opinions and feelings throughout my daily routine and I felt that both styles were a more in depth and detailed version of the ‘DESCRIPTION’ technique.

Writing lists come natural to me, as I write them on a daily basis .They maybe to remind me of what to take to a class, where I am working or what I will need to take to a casting. Lists are very quick and easy to make and I usually write them on my phone or email them to myself. During this task I have found myself writing my journal in list format even though I followed the style of writing be it ‘Descriptive‘ or from ‘Another View Point’ I actually wrote under sub headings, just as I would form a list!  This was unintentional and I can only see this now that I am reflecting back on the last week’s journal.

What methods would I use in the future?

During the past week I have concluded that the 'LIST' method worked best for me as I could still be creative and imaginative within my journal however it wasn’t as time consuming in comparison to other writing techniques. As I do teach frequently and am on the go throughout the day I found that on the train journey home I am able to quickly list everything that happened during the day. Then when I am home I am able to make more elaborate lists including more detail and description. I am going to try and include mind maps in my ongoing notations as they are a good way of recording words and emotions in an animated form. 

When teaching I will definitely think about recording information using ‘Another View’ this will help me to review my class from the student’s perspective helping me to improve on my teaching methods.

Although I found 'INITIAL REFLECTION' challenging I enjoyed this technique and will use it when I have the time to write about my experiences in depth, discussing my emotions and opinions.

In conclusion, I believe that all of the above methods are really effective ways of writing. I think that I will continue to use ‘List and Description’ more than other methods. When I have time to write in more detail I will challenge myself and try and use the ‘Evaluate’ and ‘Initial Reflection’ methods.