My Portfolio

A key focus of my journey has been the role of reflection in learning. Throughout my MAIS program, I have come to see reflection as essential for deepening critical thinking skills, both of which are crucial in education and leadership. The process of analyzing my experiences—both successes and challenges—has helped me refine my problem-solving abilities, develop a more interdisciplinary approach to complex issues, and enhance my ability to guide and mentor others.
As a nursing student, reflective journaling was a component of every clinical I participated in. At the time, I didn’t always enjoy writing or engaging with these journals. Now, as an instructor with experience teaching at both the college and university level, I am responsible for ensuring students complete their reflective journals and for assessing their work. Through this experience, I started to notice differences in expectations and student outcomes. Some students struggled to see the value in the assignment, while others engaged deeply with the reflective process.
This contrast has made me want to explore reflective journaling further. If I can better understand what this technique offers students, I can help translate that into meaningful learning outcomes and a more enriching educational experience. My goal is to optimize the reflective journaling process for students, ensuring it becomes a meaningful tool for critical thinking, self-awareness, and professional growth, rather than just another obligatory assignment.