Reflective Journal Free Essays

string(52) " is linked with positive motivation and vice versa\." Summary Reflective Overview Introduction The first reflective learning journal I worte has bad achievement, since I was confused to write it with no direction and also I did not ask for help. However,the significant point is that I have learnt a lot from the first journal,not only knowing the structure of journal, but I also learn how to assess and improve my personal skills and interpersonal skills. From now on,I pay attention to the second reflective journal from week 4 to week7. We will write a custom essay sample on Reflective Journal or any similar topic only for you Order Now I think I will obtain a lot of useful knowledge after following the pedagogical approach. The Flashback of learning during the course Week 4 Assess To assess where the level of competency in problem solving ,creativity and managing conflict lay I drafted a questionnaire which comprised of, filling in the scores of the skill assessment from the chapter 3and 7 of Developing Management Skills ( David A. Whetten Kim S. Cameron 2011). This data was compiled in the textbook for easy reference. Rather than making all of my conclusions based on empirical data I also used my observations from performance. Having reviewed the data from the textbook of my questionnaire and realising I am lack of competency in problem solving and managing conflict,but have good creativity. Learn When I studied in the fourth week, I found the lecture always discussed the cases which we should read before, we had to solve problems from the cases and reflected on our experiences. It looked the students work in collaborative groups to solve open-ended problems. The role of the lecture was extremely like a facilitator. We have to collaborate and take responsibility for the group. We have to organize the learning process by ourselves and create a solution together. According to managing creativity and conflict in projects, I learnt new to me there were two types of problem solving-analytical and creative problem solving and four steps of problem solving- define the problem, generate alternative solutions, evaluate and select an alternative, implement and follow up on the solution( David A. Whetten Kim S. Cameron 2011). I think it is benefits to assist me in solving problems reasoningly and effectively, rather than facing are complicated, multifaceted and ambiguous. Moving to the theory of conceptual blocks inhibit creative problem solving, I am confused that complacency includes noninquisitiveness. I realize that I do not ask questions while solving problems since I lose confidence to look for answers without complacency. Moving to interpersonal conflict, the one of major reasons is creative problem solving. During the class, the lecture supported conflict, however, I did not totally agree this point. For example, if group members face conflict and cannot manage well, the results will break the relationships, leading to negative influence on their performance. On the other hand, I also learnt several sources of conflict, such as personal differences, informational deficiencies, role incompatibility and environmental stress, which I have experienced or have seen in the society. Sometimes, I chose to avoid the conflict. Actually, it was good and bad behaviors regarded to different kinds of people when I managed the conflict. I seldom picked other ways, such as forcing, compromising, accommodating and collaborating. Analyse I noticed that integrating and accommodating were two main strategies for managing interpersonal conflict employed by our team members. While this looked like as a kind of strength than some teams, whereas it was a weakness in our case. Rather than dealing with our problems and differences out in the open, we avoided open conflict and defused situations as they arose. When defining a problem,my insight seemed too narrow and seldom catched the major step. I noticed Irish students were confident and creative to solve problems when we discussed about assignments. They avoided the conceptual blocks of creative problem solving to achieve better performance. I admired their competencies in problem solving. But they seemed to be confident evolving into forcing me. I thought my own character tended to avoid conflict, so I might keep quiet when my idea was not accepted. And other two Asian students in my team also tended to integrate and accommodate. This led to delaying the storming stage of our team’s development and thus had a shortage on our team’s performance. Practice We communicated with Irish students about the situation, they also noticed that we were lack of managing personal conflict in our team. We decided to open thoughts sharing with each other whether wrong or right when we discuss the group assignment facing problems. Then each member needed to provide evidence so that others totally accepted. The aim of the strategy was implemented to improve each person’s competency in problem solving and increase positive conflict. The effect of the approach would achieve in the next group meeting. Apply Indeed,I prepare to become a more effective problem solver, both analytical and creative, which is a good direction that promoting relationship and communication among team members. I provide effective strategies immediately when the team faces problems. Moving to manage personal conflict,I think I cannot be passive when communicating with team members. Although my idea may not the best or most useful,I should fulfil confidence and raise my thoughts, that is also the reason why I further study to improve my profession. Week5 Assess To assess where the level of competency in motivating others,empowering and delegating lay I drafted a questionnaire which comprised of, filling in the scores of the skill assessment from the chapter 6and 8 of Developing Management Skills( David A. Whetten Kim S. Cameron 2011). This data was compiled in the textbook for easy reference. Rather than making all of my conclusions based on empirical data I also used my observations from performance. Having reviewed the data from the textbook of my questionnaire and realising I am lack of diagnosing poor performance and enhancing motivation,as well as empowerment and delegation. Learn Turning to the theory of motivation, I found that good performance is linked with positive motivation and vice versa. You read "Reflective Journal" in category "Essay examples" The purpose of this week I noticed to learn diagnosing poor performance. After learning, I realized that ability was also needed to consider with motivation when diagnosing work performance problems. A person’s lack of ability might inhibit good performance ( David A. Whetten Kim S. Cameron 2011). Therefore, I noticed that the former role was enhancing individual’s abilities before fostering a motivating work environment among achieving better performance. I could comprehend the definition of empowerment, but I wondered if the empowerment was a kind of motivation. Because providing freedom for people to do what they want to do rather than the power, I thought it was a kind of reward belonging to motivation. Researchers claimed that the lack of courage to delegate properly, and of knowledge of how to do it, is one of the most general causes of failures in organizations ( David A. Whetten Kim S. Cameron 2011). I noticed that it was significant process that when people empowered to delegation, effecting the development of group performance. Analyse There was a negative effect on our team performance due to differences in ability and language skill. When there was a division of work, some team members could proceed with their own tasks, but some require to give direction. The problem was not that people did not ask for it when previewing the requirement of assignment, it was only at later stages of assignments that they realised assistance was required. This led to some parts of work needed to be redone within the shortage of time. I was always one of group members and needed to assistance while doing the assignment. Indeed I could comprehend the guideline of assignment, so I did my part of assignment following my thoughts. However, some group members denied my contributions and needed to follow their directions, but I actually did not understand their meaning whether I seemed to be lack of English language or ability. I wanted to contribute my work on our group, but the boundary of some opinions might be too narrow. Practice To better develop performance among our group, we decided along with each person to discuss the guideline of assignment before dividing each part of group work. Due to language problems, we did not speak to each other instead of writing key points down, avoiding misunderstanding and wasting time. On the other hand, we chose one of group members who spoke with less accent and others could listen clearly, so the one seemed to be a delegator, assisting other members to exchange opinions when each member could not understand meaning. The effect of the approach would achieve in the next group meeting. Apply Regarding to improve our group performance, I have to enhance my individual’s ability whether language skills or learning ability, before the team leader motivate members. Otherwise, the lower ability can not implement motivation effectively. In addition, I need to expand the scope of communication and contacted with different kinds of foreigners, which is an efficient way to improve my language level and is familiar to their accents. The learning ability is required to foster in the existing experiences, I may ask some hard-working classmates to share learning skills. Week6 Assess After I learnt the subject of developing management skills and went on writing reflective learning journal for 5 weeks, we made a sense of weakness then adopting the way of creativity problem solving, it seemed to have great progress. On the other hand, I fostered own ability in problem solving, and I could come up an idea to share my group members when confronted with unslovable problems. We had different opinion for one topic then we implemented positive conflict, rather than keeping avoiding, compromising and accommodating. From my observation, each member had improved their personal ability when we discussed the assignment, like me, I did not have more extra assistance to understand the direction of my part of work. Learn Besides learning the behavior of problem solving, managing conflict and motivation, the effective team to be designed required other key components, such as good communication, mutual trust, effective leadership,negotiating skills and so on. I found that it was useful to help the situation, when tasks required multiple skills, judgment, and experience among designing effective team. I also noticed that not all designed teams met effective outcomes, the risky would occur when individual employee resistance to teams is strong. Where the national culture is individualistic rather than collectivist. When an established organization places high values on and significantly rewards individual achievement (Leigh L. Thompson,2011). By the way ,I was confused that the textbook indicated that group-serving was one of elements in the theory of are we a team. What belonged to group-serving. Analyse We had such poor time management in our group due to a lack of communication. We failed to sit down and agree on the same opinions when assessing the assignment. This led to not only various styles of answering but also various quantities of work within these answers, which led to additional stress to put on some team members and development of some latent conflict. In our second written assignment, even though we felt we had addressed the issues, we still faced to re-scheduled meetings due to a lack of communication. We made full use of our time to plan our next two group assignments since we had no assignments due on a week. Then we looked busy to have group meetings and everything seemed to be on schedule. Practice To improve communication and time management, we decided no longer leave a meeting until every team member had clearly written down their work assignments and that we all understood what was expected from us. Then we picked a messaging application for phones-WhatsApp, which everyone could get free of charge. While we also decided to send email to communicate each member and required every member to switch email to their own mobile phones. It was convenience and fast way to check emails rather than logging on the laptop. We would look for all the different tools and selected the one which best fulfilled our needs. That helped team members would be instantly available for discussion or assistance. Apply I need to foster my communication skills, which has effect on relationship and trust, as well as group performance. At first time, I should enhance my listening skills, sometimes I find it hard to concentrate on some speakers, I will try repeating their words over in my head, the way reinforce their messages and help me stay focused. Week7 Assess To assess where the level of competency in building effective teams lay I drafted a questionnaire which comprised of, filling in the scores of the skill assessment from the chapter 9of Developing Management Skills (David A. Whetten Kim S. Cameron 2011). This data was compiled in the textbook for easy reference. Rather than making all of my conclusions based on empirical data I also used my observations from performance. Having reviewed the data from the textbook of my questionnaire and realising I am lack of competency in building effective teams. I think my necessity and primary mission is the way to foster an effective and motivated team member in a group at current learning. Learn I found I was still confused that the difference between a group and a team. The textbook stated that seemed the scope of team was more widely than the group. In addition, I thought there was new to me that the theory of three key skills to high performing team performance, that is diagnosing and facilitating team development, leading a team and being an effective team member. Suddenly,I realized that it was a difficult task to perform team performance. I was interested in diagnosing and facilitating team development. This skill stated that forming, norming,stroming and performing formed the stage of team development. From my observation, these four stages had significant influence on team development. Analyse At the beginning of forming our team, I found that the dominant culture was individual, rather than collectivist. There was no output interaction, and it was evident that there was absolutely no team spirit. When we decided the suitable time for the next group meeting, some members always delayed time without informing, the situation seriously affected other members’ hours. This led to delay the forming stage of team development, therefore the rest of stages also would be effected. As we knew, the time was important to the team so that was also a reason we almost submitted the assignment before the early deadline. Each member explained that problems had arisen repeatedly but that no one ever took the time to investigate or to solve the matters, since we lacked synergy among the team. Practice We planned to build our team spirit was a prerequisite for teamwork. Generally, we totally agreed to set the scope of time, each member attended the meeting ,who may be late about maximum 10min. If someone could not attend on schedule, he or she should inform other members before starting the meeting. Then other members would recode key points after the absentee catched the work schedule. Apply I think the theory I have learnt is meaningful for me and my team. That is we should adequately implement the four stages of team development to meet better group performance, depending on how effectively the members developed and utilize their communication skills. The team spirit is the prerequisite for teamwork, which is building mutual respect and trust included in the stage of forming, rather than individualism. Next step is fostering commitment to a vision and overcoming tendencies toward groupthink that can occur in the norming stage. Then storming stage pays attention on managing conflict since our team tends to positive conflict, instead of integrate and accommodate behavior. I believe a high-performing team will be achieved if our team carries out these steps. Conclusion I improve my reflective learning journal based on the lecture feedback. For example, the lecture wrote that my reflective learning journal did not follow the learning cycle when reflecting on the material each week, so while writing about weekly reflective learning journal following the pedagogical approach. I find the pedagogical approach provided opportunities for me to apply and develop my process skills to find out things for myself. I am thankful for an appropriate method particularly about writing reflective learning journal. I could express my whole idea freely on it. I would see it as the most effective and appropriate tool for a quiet student like me. It is very beneficial to me because with this reflective journal, I will be able to evaluate my mistakes in the past and to reduce the same istakes or potential mistakes in the future. I would also see reflective learning journal or reflective thought is an effective way to improve my performance. Therefore, I will adopt and apply it for the next couple of weeks. I think that the 4 weeks ‘investment’ in this course has made me received my big dividends which are obtaining the new way of thought in using reflective journal, understanding the importance of teamwork and how to improve the team performance, as well as how to become a creative problem solver. I learnt the importance of being active at the very beginning of lecture’s session which may result in obtaining the other students’ trust to speak on behalf of them. As a team, I found it easier to accomplish complex tasks since we enhance each ability then divide the tasks about who is responsible for what. We also had learning cell which initially made me learn how to collaborate with each other and to work as a team. Reference David A. Whetten and Kim S. Cameron (2011), Developing Management Skills,Eighth edition, USA: Pearson Prentice Hall. Leigh L. Thompson (2011),Making the Team, 4thedition,International:Pearson Prentice Hall. How to cite Reflective Journal, Essay examples Reflective Journal Free Essays string(111) " to some alarming sexual health phenomenon, for instance the declining age of the patients of cervical cancer\." Lecture 3 1. Did you learn anything in the session or reading material that surprised, impressed, or shocked you? If so what? And why did it have that effect on you? During the lecture, Sam introduced the origin of homosexuality. According to two British researchers, Wilson and Rahman, genetic factor is also a determinant of sexual orientation. We will write a custom essay sample on Reflective Journal or any similar topic only for you Order Now I was quite surprised because I used to think that the homosexuality was mainly the result of the environmental factor. For example, some girls were born in a single parent family and the lack of a father makes them feel very protective of their family members. Then, they would take up the role of male and become the support of the family. I always wondered why they had to choose to be a gay/lesbian, who has to go through many difficult times as a result of discrimination by the â€Å"normal people†. I thought the homosexual had a choice to decide who they are. Indeed, I was wrong. I did not realize till I saw the research that some of them were born to be a homosexual. It is not up to them whether they could live an easier life. So, I just learnt that they are just being who they are and it is not their fault to be who they were born to be. I was so shocked by the behaviors of some homophobia. Isolation and teasing are common to the homosexual people. But I never realize that their life is under threat too. I feel sorry for them when I know that some of the minority were executed because of their sexual orientation. 2. How did you respond (as an individual) to Sarah? How are her lived experiences different from yours? Do you think of her sexual orientation as normal or abnormal? .. acceptable or unacceptable? .. different or deviant? .. healthy or sick? Do you believe she is living out a life choice? Be prepared to explain your views Personally I have no special feeling for lesbians because I think there isn’t really a huge difference between us except that they prefer their partner to be a girl but I like guys more. It is similar to the various tastes of different people. Some of them may prefer Japanese cuisine, some other may like Thai more while others may want fast food. Although Sarah has a sexual orientation different from mine, I feel that is absolutely normal. Like I said, it is just a matter of preference. Indeed, for most of the people, the behaviors of the majority eans normal behavior and the rest are regarded as abnormal, which also implies ill deep inside â€Å"normal† people’s mind. Personal judgement is involved. Many people find homosexuality abnormal and unacceptable because their behaviors and sexual orientation are different from the â€Å"normal†. I reckon that so long as the homosexuals are ok with themselves and they do not harm the others, we should not say anything about their personal choice. Why is there such a huge gap of the responses of people towards the choice of the type of food and gay/lesbian’s sexual orientation? It is because those people, in particular typical Chinese, think that the homosexual affects the core value of a family, which is the next generation as they cannot reproduce. So, homosexuality is usually suppressed to allow the extension of families. But then, more and more heterosexuals are choosing not to have babies. Even for homosexual couples, they can extend the family by adopting child. Basically, the collapse of a family should not be an excuse to deter them from staying with someone they love. People need to open up their mind towards variances. Homosexuality is a fact that they cannot deny. It has already existed for a very long period of time, even back in 237AD in the imperial China. May they destroy the flowers and yet they cannot stop the spring. We should accept it to promote harmony in society. After all, homosexual also contribute to society like we â€Å"normal people† do and we should respect them like the way we respect the others. Lecture 4 What can a government do to recognize sexual health as a basic human right According to the World Health Organization, sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. A Government is responsible for upholding its people’s human rights. So, it should carry out both preventive measures and treatment to help to protect sexual health. Currently, our Government is doing well in some aspects of sexual health, for example education of AIDS, provision of support of AIDS patients, sex reproductive health of woman. The action of Government shows its recognition on sexual health as basic human right it upholds. Here are some examples. Concerning sexual health, AIDS has been one of the diseases that catch most attention. It is a destructive disease with no cure at the moment. There are more than 36 million people carrying HIV and 15000 people become infected with HIV in every 24 hours. (Klesius, 2011). 50% of the patients infected with HIV would develop AIDS if there is no proper treatment. Those people’s lives are at stake due to vulnerability and high susceptibility to infections. Being aware of the high infectiousness and the bad consequences of AIDS, the Government has put huge effort in combating the disease through promotion. For example, there are talks for students, imparting the knowledge about AIDS and advertisement on TV about prevention. The effort has been rewarded as the number of newly infected with HIV case has dropped by more than 20% from 2007 to 2011, according to HK Government’s report. Yet, solely education is not enough because the Government has to take care of the infected too. More resources should be allocated to research to find out cure for AIDS, for example, potential HIV vaccines. (Klesius, 2011). Apart from the AIDS, the Government has also reacted to some alarming sexual health phenomenon, for instance the declining age of the patients of cervical cancer. You read "Reflective Journal" in category "Papers" It is now offering subsidies for the injection of HPV vaccines, which offer more than 90% protection for women against HPV types 16 and 18 infections and their related cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The action marks the Government’s attitude towards sexual health as a basic right. However, protecting people’s physical health is not the sole mission for the Government but also the mental health. So far, it seems to ignore the mental health of the minorities, like LGBT. This is revealed from the failure to fight against the discrimination in society, which hurts their mental health. More effort should be put to protect these minorities. The Government may start by education, not only for students, but also the public through advertisement, talks, forum to let them know more about LGBT and understand them. The Government should take the first step to open up its mind before it can open up the others. What can the LGBT community do to facilitate their sexual rights as human rights Curehelp them to identify what they really are After having learnt about homosexuality and its relevant issues, what can YOU do to help the LGBT community to achieve their basic human rights? The LGBT should be active to fight for and protect their sexual rights. After all, Hong Kong is a relatively conservative society, which is deeply affected by typical Chinese mindset. These sexual rights include the right to express their sexual identity, sexual orientation and equity. Unfairness to LGBT is common in our society. For example, according to Equal Opportunities Commission, people are protected discrimination by Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO). It is an anti-discrimination law passed in 1995, which declares discrimination on the ground of sex, marital status and pregnancy, and sexual harassment are unlawful. Both males and females are applicable. Yet, LGBT is not included in the group under protection. Till now, there is still no law against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This is obviously a kind of unfairness. So, the LGBT should communicate with the Government and express the need to draft the law, probably through media, email, or even demonstration to call for the Government’s recognition of sexual rights as basic human. Yet, the most effective way to facilitate the sexual right is actually to spread the message of equity in society and right the mindset of the public. Discrimination derives from ignorance. It is the misunderstanding of the people that leads to their behaviors. The LGBT community may make videos or organize forum to share their view or experience with the ordinary people, just like what Sarah did. This can facilitate the communication between the two parties and thus a better understanding among the two groups. The Government can also include the topic of homosexuality in sex education. The most important thing is to correct how ordinary people think about LGBT. By then will they stop the discrimination. After learning so much about homosexuality, I think my greatest contribution to achieve their basic human right is to stop discriminate against them. In the past, I belong to one of those ignorant people and felt that they were weird and scared of them. But after learning so much about them, I understand them a bit more. When my family or friends act like what I did in the past, I will explain to them, saying that every one of us should be respected. I hope what I do can influence my family and friends and make them understand the importance of equity, which is the key for harmony. Hopefully, the influence can spread to friends of my friends and eliminate the discrimination against them. Lecture 5 1. Are people born heterosexual or homosexual, or does sexual orientation develop as they grow? ?2. What is the significance of the change of the terms from â€Å"homosexual† to â€Å"gay† to â€Å"queer†/â€Å"tongzhi†? ?3. How does homosexuality relate to identity politics? How does sexuality relate to politics For some homosexual people, their sexual orientation is inborn. A scientist D. F. Swaab found that a portion of the hypothalamus of the brain of homosexual male was structurally different than a heterosexual brain and hypothalamus is the portion of the human brain directly related to sexual drive and function. (Johnson. 2oo3). This may explain why some people are homosexual. It is just because they are born to be who they are. Yet, I personally believe that the modeling of parents could have some effect on the â€Å"heterosexuals†. They have been implanted with the thought that a boy should always date a girl since they were small and they end up become heterosexual. This is because they are educated to be heterosexual and they simply follow what they are told. However, I think for the majority, which is heterosexual, it is the natural phenomenon. Reproduction can only be carried out by the intercourse of opposite sex and it is the instinct of most human that they look for a partner of opposite sex for reproduction. However, I reckon that the above factors are not the only ones that determine the sexual orientation of people. Affection for the others is derived from his/her appearance, personalities, characters and inner beauty. People are attracted to no matter the same or the opposite sex maybe just due to these factors but not the gene or environment. It is simply a way how human express their love. So it is possible that homosexuality is developed as people grow. The change of terms marks an increasing awareness of people on the issue of homosexuality. In the pas, from 1920 to 1950, â€Å"homosexual†, which is relatively more clinical, was more frequently used and then changed to â€Å"gay† from 1950s onwards and to â€Å"queer† from 1990s till now. This suggests that homosexuality is becoming a topic that more and more people will discuss about. So the terms people are using are becoming less and less professional but more like a common language. It also reveals an increasing openness of society. This is because in the past the issue was severely suppressed that ordinary people could hardly touch. Now, people are more and more open-minded and the issue is not something prohibited anymore for most of the countries. So, the change of use of terms also represents a change of attitude towards homosexuality. Sexuality is related to politics in terms of the image of the leaders. Most of the leaders appeared to be heterosexual. But being homosexual is seen as being abnormal by most of people. Even leaders are homosexual, they seldom reveal it because this will imply the end of the life in politics. In addition, leaders are trying to be very careful about their personal sexual affairs because it is a potential threat to their power, just like the scandal of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. People, especially in a society of Chinese, do not only look at one’s ability to lead but also the impact of their personal matters on society. What the leaders do will have a profound impact on society because they are the ones who lead the people. Being heterosexual is a sign of being normal. People do not say it but this is what they think. To avoid a negative impression, â€Å"being normal† in terms of sexual orientation is what leaders do. Reference: Asia Times Online. (2011). In Hong Kong, a quiet advance for gay rights. Retrieved from http://www. atimes. com/atimes/China/MG15Ad01. html Centre of Health Protection. Cervical Cancer. (2011) Retrieved fromhttp://www. chp. gov. hk/en/content/9/25/56. html Equal Opportunities Commission. n. d. ). Sex Discrimination Ordinance and I. Retrieved from http://www. eoc. org. hk/eoc/GraphicsFolder/showcontent. aspx? content=Sex%20Discrimination%20Ordinance%20and%20I Johnson, R. D. (2003). Homosexuality: Nature or Nurture. AllPsych Journal. Klesius, M. (2011). Search for a Cure—AIDS Turns 20. National Geographic magazine. The department of Health. Knowing about HIV. (2 011). Retrieved from http://www. gov. hk/en/residents/health/sexedu/aids. htm Wikipedia. (n. d. ). LGBT rights in Hong Kong. Retrieved fromhttp://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Hong_Kong How to cite Reflective Journal, Essays Reflective Journal Free Essays Reflective Journal Detailed description as if to an outsider. Often you will use your journal to record detailed descriptions of some aspect of your internship environment, whether physical, behavioral, or organizational. When you write them, you will not have a clear idea of what you will make of these details, but you will sense that they might be important later. We will write a custom essay sample on Reflective Journal or any similar topic only for you Order Now These descriptions should sound as if you were describing them to someone who was never there. Journals allow you to sound naive. At times you will want to speculate as to why something that you have observed firsthand is as it is. You might derive your explanation from a lecture you have heard, a book you have read, or your own reservoir of â€Å"common sense†. Having posited an interpretation, you will want to continue with your detailed observations on the topic to see if you want to stick with your hypothesis or alter it. Journals allow you to change your mind. Here are a few of the ingredients that go into a keeping a great journal: * Journals should be snapshots filled with sights, sounds, smells, concerns, insights, doubts, fears, and critical questions about issues, people, and, most importantly, yourself. Honesty is the most important ingredient to successful journals. * A journal is not a work log of tasks, events, times and dates. * Write freely. Grammar/spelling should not be stressed in your writing until the final draft. * Write an entry after each visit. If you can’t write a full entry, jot down random thoughts, images, etc. which you can come back to a day or two later and expand i nto a colorful verbal picture. Key questions to answer Describe your experience. What would you change about this situation if you were in charge? How have you challenged yourself, your ideals, your philosophies, your concept of life or of the way you live? Was there a moment of failure, success, indecision, doubt, humor, frustration, happiness, sadness? Do you feel your actions had any impact? What more needs to be done? Does this experience compliment or contrast with what you’re learning in class? How? Has learning through experience taught you more, less, or the same as the class? In what ways? How to cite Reflective Journal, Essays Reflective Journal Free Essays This is an introduction of my experience in a long term care facility. Avoid mentioning the names of agencies and people. Using abbreviations for names such as E. We will write a custom essay sample on Reflective Journal or any similar topic only for you Order Now T. is appropriate. Continue writing using double spacing. Remember to check for spelling and grammar before submitting your journal. You may need to write the journal in one or two draft modes to generate your deeper reflection on your clinical experience. Allow yourself the time and patience to truly reflect on the meaning this has for you. About two pages typed would be enough for reflecting and expressing your deeper thoughts on the description of the clinical experience and how this experience impacts your nursing practice. Remember that each paragraph should have one point and at least three sentences. Other aspects of the paper include a title page and references. Use a title page, especially since your journal is personal. Having the cover of a title page provides privacy and maintains confidentiality. For example, if the document were to be printed and left on a desk, the first page of the journal would not be exposed for a bystander to read. Unless you have a source that you are citing, you do not need to include a reference page but a sample reference is included in this template. Remember that references are double spaced with a hanging indent. Create a header and page number for the second page before you do the title page. Click on Insert Header. Create the header for the second page using the sample above. You will see Header Design Tools. Check the box for â€Å"Different First Page. † Then go back and click on the header section for the first page (title page). Insert the header for the first page and add the page number in â€Å"current position. † Please proof read your work before submitting it. Simple spelling and typing errors become distracting for the reader of your paper. You are used to proof reading but this is just a gentle reminder. Submit the journal electronically under the assignments tab on Blackboard. The instructions for labeling the file and submitting the document are provided. If you have any difficulty with the electronic submission, you might ask a friend or try the submission again. If you still have difficulty, you may print the journal and bring the document to the instructor at the class time that the assignment is due. Please, however, don’t panic. This is part of learning and adjusting to college life. Your instructor will work through the technology with you. How to cite Reflective Journal, Essays Reflective Journal Free Essays One of my strengths is inquiring. I’m usually the one in a group questioning everything like â€Å"How did this happen? † or â€Å"What is the meaning of†¦. † I also like to know a lot of information on a subject before I consider doing anything with it. We will write a custom essay sample on Reflective Journal or any similar topic only for you Order Now I’m a very curious person and sometimes I’ll look at things from a different and new perspective to see what it’s like. I do this because I really enjoy seeing things from new different angles and comparing the two different point of views. This helps me better understand someone else’s view on something.For example if a friend and I are in an argument, I’ll try to wear their shoes and see their side. I also like to know why certain things have importance and value. I point out and question key facts and points to see why exactly it is of such significance. One of my weaknesses is Critical Thinking. I’m alright at it but I know I could do better and could use some improvement. I love thinking; I do it all the time†¦sometimes even too much. I’m great at thinking about problems and solving them. Although sometimes when I read a story or question that is very long and full of ideas, I may get lost in my tracks and not figure out the main point.It becomes a bit challenging for me because I can’t focus on one idea or thought. I think this is because I’m such a curious guy and I keep on jumping from thoughts and conclusion. Another weakness of mine is that I am not a risk taker. I always choose the rational and logical option and never take a little chance on something different. I know sometimes taking a risk pays off big, but unfortunately there are also times when it doesn’t. I’m always curious about what it would’ve been like if I took a risk. I think I never take risks because I fear that if I fail the damage may be hard.I usually take the path that has less damage possible. Another one of my strengths is being very reflective. It’s a very important skill to have because if we never look back at what we have done and the mistakes we have made, we would probably continually make the same mistake. I think I reflect every night before I fall asleep in my bed. I think â€Å"Oh, maybe I shouldn’t have done that,† or â€Å"Yeah that was a funny moment. † I always reflect on my past and on others past. I like to reflect on the past because it helps me see if I made a mistake somewhere so I can keep myself from doing it again.Reflecting helps you see what you’ve missed before, and learn from your past. I know I’m only supposed to mention two strengths but I feel I have another really good one. It’s being a very good communicator. I’m a very social person and I know how speak properly at time and how to explain things if needed. I can also understand someone who doesn’t really explain something great and help them out. I may not use all the correct words but I do get the point across. I enjoy public speaking and entertaining, telling a joke here and there. I do have more strengths and weaknesses but those are my main ones. How to cite Reflective Journal, Essays