The use of reflective journals in the promotion of reflection and learning in post-registration nursing students.

Full Abstract

The aim of this qualitative case study was to examine the use of reflective journals in promoting reflection and learning in post-registration nursing students. A purposive homogenous sample of 42 part-time post-registration students who had undertaken a module either as part of the Diploma in Professional Studies in Palliative Care or Breast Care Nursing within a UK University took part in the study. Data were collected from reflective journals and interviews. The students' journals were analysed to determine the extent and level of reflection using a model devised by Boud [Boud, D., Keogh, R., Walker, D. (Eds.), 1985. Reflection:
Turning Experience into Learning. Kogan Page, London] and adapted by Wong [Wong, F.K.Y., Kember, D., Chung, L.Y.F., Yan, L., 1995. Assessing the levels of student reflection from reflective journals. Journal of Advanced Nursing 22, 48-57]. A model devised by Mezirow [Mezirow, J., 1990. How critical reflection triggers transformative learning. In:
Mezirow, J. et al. (Eds.), Fostering Critical Reflection in Adulthood:
A Guide to Transformative and Emancipatory Learning. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, pp. 1-20; Mezirow, J., 1991. Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning. Jossey-Bass, San Franscisco] was used to identify non-reflectors, reflectors and critical reflectors. The findings suggest that student writing can be used as evidence for the presence or absence of reflective thinking. Evidence also suggests that journals are a useful tool for promoting reflection and learning. However, some students appear to benefit more from their use than others.

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Author information

Author/s: Chirema, Kathleen D (KD);

Affiliation: University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. k.d.chirema(-atsign-)hud.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Nurse education today (Nurse Educ Today), published in Scotland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Apr; vol 27 (issue 3) : pp 192-202

Dates: Created 2007/03/05; Completed 2007/05/25;

PMID: 16815600, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Attitude of Health Personnel
Clinical Competence
Education, Nursing, Continuing - organization & administration
Emotions
Faculty, Nursing
Great Britain
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Interprofessional Relations
Learning
Models, Educational
Models, Psychological

Nursing Education Research
Nursing Methodology Research
Nursing Process
Nursing Staff - education; psychology
Preceptorship - organization & administration
Professional Competence
Qualitative Research
Questionnaires
Social Support
Students, Nursing - psychology
Thinking
Writing

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