Seems like I often have my best ideas when I’m walking to
the campus, so I think I’ll also try recording myself on my phone.
That means I won’t forget things. There’s such a lot to take in
at the moment and hopefully all of this will help me to cope.
Alex’s journal 1
Notes
23
Top
Tip
Things that can make
reflective writing easier
and enjoyable
It is widely recognised that learning is easier when
it is enjoyable, and reflective writing is no exception
to this. Many people enjoy journal writing and
here are some pointers to help you to do so too:
• Nice quality stationery – this doesn’t need
to cost a lot and can be very satisfying to
use. If you’re going to get a notebook,
consider getting one that will stand out in
your bag or on your desk, as a reminder to
write in it. Different-coloured pens and
pencils can help you to organise your
reflections (for example, red for literature,
green for methodology) and make them
easier to sift through later on. Sticky notes,
stickers and reminders can all appeal to
your creative or organisational side too.
• A dedicated space on your favourite device
– keeping all your reflective writing together
in one place will help you to see your
progress over time. Don’t be afraid to add
pictures, photographs and diagrams as
visual reminders.
• Finding a reflective space – this could be
at home, or could also be your favourite
seat in the coffee shop, your room or a study
area in the library, or a sunny bench in the
park or on campus. It doesn’t really matter
where it is, as long as you feel comfortable
and look forward to going there.
• Treat yourself – having your favourite hot
drink and snack while writing is bound to
make it more enjoyable.
• Meet up with a friend – writing doesn’t
have to be a solitary activity, so why not
meet up with a friend and write together,
or meet up afterwards?
All of these approaches mean you will be well
equipped to start compiling your research
journal, so do add to it often. This need not take
up a lot of your time; you can write anywhere,
and you will be surprised how much you can
achieve by writing for as little as 15 minutes.
25
Theme 2
Making
a good
start
This section will:
•encourage you to think about what you hope to achieve by the time your research is finished;
•help you to understand more about research methods;
•consider the term ‘criticality’ and how it applies to your research;
•explore the importance of making the most of relevant networks;
•explain the importance of a good research question.
25
26
Theme 2.1
What are you
ultimately hoping
to achieve?
At the beginning of any large task, it is good
to spend some time thinking about what you
hope to achieve and what you would like
your final outcome to be. Your first piece
of independent research is likely to be the
largest piece of academic work you have
undertaken so far. Making a start on any
large activity can be daunting and it is easy
to be overwhelmed by it, particularly when
it can make a significant difference to your
overall results. Having a picture of what you
hope to achieve can help you to make a
positive start.
Starting any large task is often one of the
most difficult things and here is one way
that
