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Reflection-in-Action Journal

by

Reflection in Action

Woven into your program are several themes and topics meant to enhance your learning experience and support your development as a professional who is capable of acting as a leader, thinker, visionary, and advocate.

In each course, there will be one reflection-in-action journal assignment that is designed to provide opportunities for you to reflect upon and assess your professional knowledge and skills. It is appropriate to write your journal entries in first person. Refer to the First vs. Third PersonLinks to an external site. guide created by the Writing Center.

The journal prompts will have two parts. You will reflect upon and discuss each of the reflective questions in Part 1 and Part 2 outlined below.

The following content areas are required for this assignment:

Part 1: Course/Program Reflection

  • Explain what you feel is the best approach or theory for creating partnerships with children, their families, and communities.
  • Explain how you think culture and family structure influence children’s learning and development.

Part 2: Career/Personal Reflection

  • What are the two most important takeaways for you from this course?
  • In what way will you use the information in this class to enhance your current or future practice as an early childhood educator?

Journal Options:

  • Written reflection journal
  • Create a VokiLinks to an external site..
    • If you need help creating your Voki, use the Voki Classroom: Getting Started GuideLinks to an external site..

Suggested Journal Length:

  • One to two double-spaced pages (not including title and reference pages).

Integrative and Critical Thinking Expectations (demonstrated within the content of the journal):

  • Connections to Experience: Meaningfully synthesizes connections among experiences both within and outside of coursework to deepen understanding of fields of study and to broaden own points of view.
  • Reflection and Self-Assessment: Envisions a future self (and possibly makes plans that build on past experiences) that have occurred across multiple and diverse contexts.

Research and Resource Expectations:

  • Sources are not required for your journal assignments. However, if you need to cite information, you must cite in APA format and include a reference page. For further assistance refer to the Citing Within Your PaperLinks to an external site. and the Formatting Your References ListLinks to an external site. created by the Writing Center.

Writing and Formatting Expectations:

  • Professional Reflective Voice: Journals may be written in a less formal but still professional voice (i.e., avoids casual language). Refer to the First vs. Third PersonLinks to an external site. guide created by the Writing Center.
  • Organization: Demonstrates logical progression of ideas.
  • Syntax and Mechanics: Writing displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • APA Formatting: Papers are formatted properly, and all sources (if used) are cited and referenced in APA style as outlined in the Writing CenterLinks to an external site..

    Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

    Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Reflection-in-Action Journal

    (Suggested Title: Reflection in Action – Early Childhood Education)

    Part 1: Course/Program Reflection

    1. Best Approach or Theory for Creating Partnerships with Children, Families, and Communities

      • Start by naming a specific theory or approach (e.g., Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, Family-Centered Practice, or the Reggio Emilia Approach).

      • Explain why you believe this approach is the most effective. Consider how it promotes respectful, collaborative, and culturally sensitive partnerships.

      • Include examples from coursework or professional experience that demonstrate its success or challenges.

      Example:
      “I believe the Family-Centered Practice approach is the best method for building strong partnerships. This method values parents as primary decision-makers and encourages ongoing communication and mutual respect…”

    2. Culture and Family Structure’s Influence on Learning and Development

      • Reflect on how differences in culture, traditions, language, and family roles shape a child’s worldview and behavior.

      • Discuss how recognizing these factors helps educators provide meaningful, individualized support.

      • Mention any realizations you’ve had about equity, inclusion, or bias in early learning environments.

      Example:
      “Throughout this course, I’ve come to better understand that culture and family structure are not peripheral details but central to how children grow. Whether it’s a multigenerational household or cultural views on independence, each family brings values that influence learning expectations and interactions.”

    Part 2: Career/Personal Reflection

    1. Two Most Important Takeaways from This Course

      • Identify two key insights, skills, or shifts in perspective you’ve gained.

      • These could include classroom strategies, deeper understanding of child development, cultural competence, family engagement techniques, or policy awareness.

      • Describe how these takeaways impacted your thinking or reinforced your goals as an educator.

      Example:
      “One key takeaway was learning to implement culturally responsive teaching. The second was gaining a deeper appreciation for observation as a tool for assessing developmental milestones…”

    2. How This Information Will Enhance Your Practice

      • Connect your learning to your future or current role in early childhood education.

      • Describe specific changes you plan to make in your teaching, communication with families, or curriculum design.

      • Discuss how you envision yourself continuing to grow in this area.

      Example:
      “In my future classroom, I plan to intentionally include family voices in curriculum planning. I also aim to create family nights to share progress and learn about cultural traditions firsthand…”

    Formatting and Submission Tips

    • Length: 1–2 double-spaced pages (not including title and reference pages)

    • Voice: First person is encouraged (e.g., “I believe,” “In my experience”)

    • Style: Reflective but professional tone

    • Organization: Use headings like Part 1: Course Reflection and Part 2: Career Reflection for clarity

    • APA Format: If you mention theories or external materials, cite in APA 7th edition format and include a reference page

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