Approaches to learning

One of the most critical elements of being a successful online learner is recording your thoughts, observations and reflections about your learning. There are two ways you can engage reflectively in this course, and we encourage you to use them both.

The first is to engage with and share in the discussion questions at the end of each section. As you reflect on the questions, you are making connections with ideas and concepts learned, and in posting your responses you are embedding your learning. Reading through the responses of your peers also gives you an opportunity for further thinking and reflection. It’s an important part of the learning process and gives you a great opportunity for social interactions which can help your learning.

The other way you can actively reflect on your learning is through writing in a learning journal. Journal writing has become a very popular tool as a key component of learning and especially in learning from our experiences.

You can use a journal to make notes to help cement your thinking, record your insights into a topic or note questions which arise through the module. You can return to explore these questions at a later time or discuss them with a colleague.

As you engage with this practice of using a journal, you will develop into a reflective practitioner. It’s also a great way to record your learning journey and reflect on your progress.

It may not always be possible or preferable for you to use a physical journal or notebook. As an alternative you can use a digital “notebook” such as Microsoft OneNote or make use of one of the free, dedicated online tools such as 750 words, Penzu or JRNL.

Take a moment now to explore some of these options and decide which will be the best for you before you move on to begin this course.