Evidence of learning in reflective practice: a case study of computer-assisted analysis of students' reflective blogs

Abstract

Reflection, as a method of learning from experience, is considered a key skill in the workplace as "only through contemplating what one is doing and why can one demonstrate that intelligent and competent practice ensues" (Thorpe, 2004). This practice allows learners to question assumptions, critically question practices, and change future practice. Reflective writing as the expression of reflective thinking provides some form of evidence that learning has occurred. But how can such evidence be identified and assessed? How is 'knowing' shown in the reflective writing? This paper briefly outlines a methodology borrowed from linguistics that enabled the identification of key words in journalism students' blogs that may be considered as evidence of learning.