Download the Journal guide

What is a Reflective Journal?

A Reflective Journal shows the journey, from start to finish, of a specific project or research. This could include how you're progressing towards a particular career goal, your dissertation, or group project. 

If you are a member of staff you may want to keep a reflective journal for PGCAP to keep track of your CPD, key achievements and examples of work that can be shared with your Line Manager prior to your PDR.

Your Reflective Journal should explain:

  • What happened?
  • How did it happen?
  • Possibly why it happened? 
  • What will you do next if it happens again?

Read:  Self Reflection from the Open University >

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Using Mahara for your Dissertation/Thesis

The Journal tool can be quite powerful if used correctly. It can be used to record text, images and any other files you may want to upload to it. All journals are private by default, until you share it within a page.

Here you can see how the journal is being used alongside other tools to create a Thesis Reflections and Logbook page that can be shared with your supervisor:

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Tools used:

  • A Journal created specifically to record notes and thoughts regarding the dissertation
  • Folders for documents
  • Plan to map out what it is you hope to achieve and when
  • Comments area for your supervisor to provide you with feedback

Mahara basics:

What is Mahara?

What is Mahara?

Mahara as a Learning Portfolio

Mahara as a Learning Portfolio

Navigating Mahara

Navigating Mahara

Pages in Mahara

Pages in Mahara

Collections of your work

Collections of your work

Your Profile page

Your Profile page

Presenting your evidence

Presenting your evidence

Reflective Journals

Mobile Mahara

Mobile Mahara

Online Study Groups

Online Study Groups

Sharing and Publishing your work

Sharing and Publishing your work

Have a go!