Boud (2001) defined reflective practice as a means to re-conceptualize, or re-live, events and experiences to draw personal meanings from them. In effect, "journal writing can be used to enhance what we do and how we do it" (Boud, 2001, pg. 9).

Boud cited Moon (1999) while identifying several purposes for reflective writing:

1. Deepen the quality of learning, in the form of critical thinking and the cultivating of a questioning attitude;

2. Enable learners to become more aware of their learning processes;

3. Foster more active learner involvement, as well as personal ownership, of learning;

4. Enhance professional practice, or professional self in practice;

5. Enhance personal valuing of self, and encourage self-empowerment;

6. Enhance creativity by encouraging growth of intuitive understanding;

7. Offer an alternate voice for those who are not openly expressive during classroom instruction;

8. Foster creative, reflective interaction within a group;

Occasions for Reflection:

Reflection often involves active, engaged processing of raw emotional content and impressions of messy, confusing, experiences to make better sense of them (Boud, 2001).

Reflection in Anticipation of Events (exploring potentialities)

This type of reflection involves the individual learner, which involves exploring what the learner wants from one's own engagement in any proposed activity. It also involves noting down the various aspects of the context surrounding the potential event. The act of such self-talk using journaling clarifies questions, and prompts learners to imagine possibilities. In addition, an analysis of required learning skills and strategies will be required to master the experience successfully. Journals enable learners to practice imaginary scenarios, plan what tools and preparatory strategies will be required, and practice conversations and encounters with significant others.

Reflection in the Process of Action

Noticing

"becoming aware of what is happening both inside and outside us

Intervening

"conscious decisions such as interventions in learning process can alter the type of actions we might take while in the process of learning.

Reflection-in-action

"not overt, observable; involves exposure of decisions made in process of learning to critical self-reflection, so that learners' assumptions can be identified, leading to a more inclusive, conscious perspective.

Such "writing in the heat of the moment" while one is immersed in a context of rapid change is more appropriate to a mo-blog or a 250 character Twitter burst than the longer post considered typical of a blog post. However, a 100 word blurb might be a suitable way to capture impressions, metaphors, and ideas for further reflection while immersed in the moment than waiting later to collect one's thoughts and cull out impressions.

Reflection after Events is the act of filtering, selecting, and revising impressions. The learner looks back at previous experience, and applies judgments and re-creations of experiences.Return to ExperienceThis process of self-reflection involves a revisiting and recapturing of past experience in context to "retrieve as fully as possible the rich texture of events as they unfolded" (Boud, 2001, pg. 14).

Attending to Feelings

Along with re-experiencing previous events, a learner needs to attend to feelings and emotions accompanying the process of retrieval and remembering. Expressive activities such as streams of consciousness writing without self-censorship, is such an example.

Re-evaluation of Experience

This process involves relating new ideas to what is known, identifying connections between new and old ideas, determining personal authenticity of feelings and emotions generated while working with ideas, and incorporating such knowledge into one's own ways of knowing and being.The reflective process can be done in isolation; however, learners' current beliefs and ideas tend to be reinforced.

Thus, working with a learning companion or partner can offset the isolation felt, challenge previously held beliefs, and may lead to transformation of perspectives. This step involves revisiting previously written journal entries, and adding new ideas and revisions, or adding more details.