Reflective Journaling for Researchers
Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 11:00
Many researchers use reflective journals throughout their research journeys, but are given little guidance about what exactly these journals are meant to achieve, or how. In this workshop, we will address this training gap by considering the theory and practice behind different applications of research journaling. In addition to exploring recommendations from the literature, participants will be invited to share their own practices and insights about keeping a journal.
Event details
Many researchers use reflective journals throughout their research journeys, but are given little guidance about what exactly these journals are meant to achieve, or how. In this workshop, we will address this training gap by considering the theory and practice behind different applications of research journaling. In addition to exploring recommendations from the literature, participants will be invited to share their own practices and insights about keeping a journal – considering, for example, length and frequency of entries; intended purpose; and format. As a group, we will brainstorm potential prompts, templates, and other aids to reflective journaling, and then experiment with these during the session itself. Participant feedback will inform the design of journaling materials (e.g., a how-to guide and/or regular ‘journaling club’ gathering) that will be developed to support University of Exeter researchers going forward.
As a result of attending this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the value of reflective journaling for researchers
- Select journaling techniques appropriate for your context
- Effectively use reflective journaling to support you in your research journey
This course is for postgraduate researchers at any stage of their research journey; no experience with either research or journaling is required.
Book via iTrent.
Organiser
Festival of PGR research
Location
MS Teams