Reflective Journal for Business Students - Desklib

This Reflective Journal template is designed for business students to record their reflections on weekly sessions, gain insights, develop skills, and achieve personal growth. The journal covers topics such as communication, study skills, academic sources, Swot analysis, academic writing, referencing, presentation skills, interview skills, and employability skills. The journal is a continuous process and should be completed during the module and not at the end. The Weekly Reflective Journal will be used in conjunction with your Personal Learning and Development Plan and Interview to work out the final grade for this module.

Reflective Journal

Introduction:
This template should be used to record your reflections on the weekly sessions.
Please use the spaces provided to reflect on what was discussed in class, what you
gained from the session; did you find the content useful; how can you relate it to your
studies at university as a business student. You will also need to discuss how you
intend to further develop the skills discussed in class. This is a continuous process
and should be completed during the module and not at the end.
In week 8 you will be expected to submit what you have completed so far, via
ULearn, to receive feedback. You will then complete weeks 9 to 10.
The Weekly Reflective Journal will be used in conjunction with your Personal
Learning and Development Plan and Interview to work out the final grade for this
module. The Reflective Journal and PDP will be summatively submitted in week 14
on Blackboard. Submission of all parts of the assessment are required in order to
receive a grade.
The Learning Outcomes for this module are as follows:
 LO1: To identify and use different styles and means of communication within
academic and formal contexts
 LO2: To demonstrate common study skills within a subject specific context
 LO3: To identify academic sources appropriate to the given task
Week 1
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills.
In week 1, a module description was provided facilitated by the tutor in order to acquire relevant
knowledge and understanding about the overall course of learning. I was introduced with the
concept of personalised learning in the concerned week. An icebreaker was conducted in order
to make the environment comfortable for me and the fellow peer as well. I acquired
understanding about teaching faculty, module content, student’s expectations, weekly activities
etc. In addition to this, I also gathered necessary information in respect to the three assessment
which were required to be attempted by me at the end of the given module. It is very necessary
and significant for leaner like me to have an overview of the module in order to complete the
same in an effective mannerism. Therefore, I plan to acquire concentration skills in order to
exhibit the potential focus in acquisition of learning Acquisition (2020). The concentration
skills can be developed through facilitation of optimum time within concentration building
activities such as memory games, sequential activities, formation of timely to-do list and note
writing. Also, time management skills are highly necessary and can be development by me
through relying upon time schedules, journals, weekly allotment of work and many other time
managing activities.

Week 2
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills.
In week 2, I learned about the significance of reflection. In this session, the focus was driven
upon the learning the significance of reflective writing. In order to so the same, we were given
with an activity to see a video and then reflect upon the three learning outcomes drawn from
the same. I also participated in an activity named self-reflective questions wherein I was
batched in a group of 5 and I had to express and share my thoughts with my team members. In
this week, I also acquired much needed insights about the emotional and social intelligence. I
practiced EQ model as well. Moreover, I also acquired insights about the contrast between
learning and studying within the concerned week. I learned about the importance good habits,
attributes and mind-sets. I also gained overview about the application of Gibbs and Kolb’s
learning model which can be helpful in reflecting upon my own learning during the given week.
In order to develop skills, I would try and be more honest with myself in order to share my
experience with the application of models learned in an appropriate manner.
Week 3
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills.
In this respective week, I gained knowledge about the Swot assessment. I learned how to
conduct personal swot analysis. I must identify, draw conclusion and take strategic actions in
order to attempt the Swot accurately. In addition to this, I also conducted skills audit with helped
me to identifying my existing skills as well as the ones which need sot acquired by me in the
near future. I rated by skills on a scale of 1 to 10. Post analysation, my strengths were added to
my CV and the weaknesses were registered in the PDP plan. Also, I participated within a
weekly activity as well in which I had to attempt my own SWOT analysation. Characteristics of
self-reflection, critical questions pertaining to the same, smart criterion were also studied by me
in the respective week. Reflective writing seminar activity was also attempted by me. I also
participated in the future dream career reflection by using Gibbs model. In order to develop my
Swot skills, I will understand the basic purpose behind conducting the same. Once, the purpose
is clear, then I would work upon self-evaluation capabilities and will try and be highly honest
and increase self-judgement consideration so as to implement a competent and effective
personal skill audit and swot assessment.
Week 4
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills.
I gained relevant perspective about academic writing in the fourth week. I studied the
importance, nature and feature of academic writing during the concerned week. In addition to
the weekly activity comprises of answering an argumentative question in relation to academic
writing. It was a highly critical activity which helped to me enhance my judgement and critical
thinking ability. A weekly group activity aimed at analysation of own writing capability was also
conducted this week. I also acquired knowledge in regard with the references, plagiarism,
different forms of academic writing styles, do’s and don’ts etc. The, there was an activity in
which I had to answer “what is a paragraph” within the class which was quite an informative
group class activity. I also studied about formation of paragraphs, their formatting and
structuring. In order to develop my academic writing, I will try and enhance by researching as
well as rephrasing capabilities. There are various from of writing style. Therefore, I will try and
identify the one which is suitable for me and then practice academic writing consistently. Also, I

will focus on improving my vocabulary in order to elevate the standard of my academic writing
in a precise mannerism.
Week 5
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills.
In this week, I learned about the differentiation between essay writing as well as the reflective
writing. I realised that both the concepts are very diverse in the nature and have their own
specific forms of writing style. I gained information about how t frame the content in reflection
appropriately. I gained tips and tricks of how to avoid the plagiarism and utilize the referencing
in order to increase the relevancy of the content and justify the information considerately. Also,
in this week, I also encountered practical writing exercises Practical Writing (2020). Two class
activities were attempted by me i.e. one was about paragraph structure and the second one
include the answering of the question in regard with essay instructions. It can be stated that I
can improve my essay writing through following the essay format correctly. Also, the content of
the essay needs to be very specific and creative. Therefore, I would enhance creative writing
ability in order to frame my essay interestingly. Also, in terms of building reflective skills, I will
rely upon the reflective models so as to structure my reflection in apt manner, this in turn would
aid me in presenting and showcasing my mind-set, thoughts and opinions in a very
constructive and appropriate way.
Week 6
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills.
In 6th week I have duly learned about the concept of referencing with the help of using the UWL
version of the Harvard system. In addition to this, in week 6 it was all about learning the useful
and important concept of Harvard referencing system. Furthermore, it has been evaluated I
have significantly provided with the knowledge as well as information of Harvard referencing
system. In addition to this, I have duly learned about the citing sources in the text. Along with
this I learned that fitting the reference into the work. It has also been learned by me that
quotations also plays important role in which it is essential to add page number. Furthermore, I
have also learned the concept of secondary referencing. Acquiring information and knowledge
of Harvard referencing system has resulted in enhancement of representation skills as well as
facilitated in my personal development. Learning of this concept has also allowed me in
identification and prevention of unethical practice of plagiarism in writing down and
representation of my own content. Furthermore, this concept also provided me with proficiency
in understanding the information from the original source in order to write it down further.
Therefore, knowledge of Harvard referencing system will facilitate me in conquering
opportunities related to it in future. In addition to this, I have duly understand the concept of
reference list. This is mainly a list of information sources that have been referred into work. I

also acquired the knowledge about the importance of creating reference in the UWL Harvard
style.
Week 7
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills. Use a minimum of one academic source and reference this.
In this week I have duly learned about the approaches as well as methods to efficiently conduct
proper form of referencing. This is one of the most important skill which helps in enhancing
efficiency of writing. In this, in order to duly develop this skill I will list down by references and
will note down my bibilographic details in appropriate manner. In addition to this, I will also
make sure to be consistent with my format. In addition to this, I will appropriately acknowledge
the sources of information that I will use in my report, assignments and dissertation. I will also
undertake use of theories, ideas, facts, figures and quotations. This will effectively help me to
use proper Harvard referencing system. Furthermore, I will also make sure to make list of all
sources that I use and will ensure to make accurate notes. In addition to this, I will undertake
use of quotations marks when I directly re-start another person's words. Thus, with the help of
undertake considerations of all these elements I will effectively develop my referencing skill.
Week 8
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills. Use a minimum of one academic source and reference this.
This journal should be formatively submitted for feedback, via ULearn, at the end of this week.
Week 8 can be stated as my most favourite week within the overall module period. The reason
for the same is that I got the opportunity to work upon my presentation skills during the given
period of time. In this week, I learned about the basics of a successful presentation as well as
the pitfalls which needs to be avoided so as to develop a viable presentation. I studied the
essentials for a relevant presentation preparation as well. In the concerned week, I also got the
much required platform to assessment own capabilities and refection upon the own strengths
as well as particular areas related to development in the coming future period. Also, I gained
understanding about the formulation of business presentations and the manner to frame them
properly and execute the same attractively. I am really fortunate to be part of the given session
as I believe it can give me the necessary assistance in delivering excellent presentation in my
field of carrier in the future. I genuinely feel that I can develop presentation skills by practicing
the development of the same regularly. I believe that using bullet points, inserting images,
styling and formatting of presentations makes whole of difference when presenting the same.
Therefore, I will practice what I learned within the session consistently.

Week 9
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills. Use a minimum of one academic source and reference this.
The week 9, learning was a good experience for me as it helped me in developing different
skills related to interview. This week also helped me developing goal and objective setting
related to career field. I learned about body language and its development along with role
played by it in an interview. I gained knowledge about different tips and tricks to improve my
body language. In week 9, I also learned about different techniques which are helpful in coping
up with anxieties Improve Your Writing Skills (2021). Development of individual depends
upon different skills and techniques which are taught by professors. I am now having good
knowledge about body language and its role in a complete interview process. This will help me
gaining effective and professional growth rate in career related life. It will also help me to focus
on self-improvement and remain happy in different conditions. With the help of this approach, I
will increase my career growth rate and achieve milestones in different professional interviews.
I will use my interview skills also to support my colleagues and friends. Major skills grabbed
during week 9 will also help me to develop in depth understanding about whole interview
process in a systematic manner.
Week 10
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills. Use a minimum of one academic source and reference this.
Week 10 involved the learning and understanding of employability skills and competencies
or assessment support. For instance, with all the lectures and seminars attended by me in
this entire, I acquired knowledge of employability skills and importance of these skills with
future circumstances. Guidance and knowledge provided in these lectures and seminars
has resulted in development as well as enhancement of these skills towards my overall
personal development. It facilitated in determination identification and determinations of
skills I already have as well as skills with scope of development or improvisation.
Furthermore, determination of these skills will provide me with opportunity in order to initiate
additional efforts towards skills that need to be enhanced in order to achieve personal
goals. I learned the concept and approach of developing and using Personal development
plan in order to facilitate systematic order of organising activities and practices for learning
skills and values. Learning and development of employability skills will be beneficial for me
with the future and career aspect. I was able to develop personal development plan with the
guidance and teaching of mentors in these seminars and lectures. As a result of dynamic
changing and developing markets, there is a essential need for development of various
employability in an individual in order to secure future career.
Week 11
Please describe in less than 200 words what was discussed in this session and how you plan to
develop these skills. Use a minimum of one academic source and reference this.
In week 11, I majorly learned about qualities of a successful student and also knowledge
related to personal learning. I got to know that self-motivation, independence, ability to get work
done and organising time management are the major qualities of a successful student. I also

learned about management of life in a precise manner using different tools and techniques
taught by my respected professors. The personal learning also helped me to systematically
deal with knowledge and growth in a student's life. In personal learning, I got know that
reflection is a major aspect which helps in self-improvement and development. I also developed
knowledge related to increasing self-awareness and development of dynamic personality. In
week 11, I also learned that development of a good and professional strategy also helps a
student to frame an appropriate planning framework in academic life. I now understand the
importance of personal learning and successful student qualities in order to gain advantage in
personal and professional life. I am now confident enough to prepare a good strategy related to
my career and academic life which will help me long term growth. I will now onwards focus on
developing a good and professional personality to influence others positively.
Personal Development Plan
Name: Degree pathway:
Student Number:
Part 1 – Personal Analysis
Strengths Areas for further development
 Reflective writing can be termed
as one of my greatest strengths
as I am able to reflect upon my
experiences in a highly
standardised manner. I have the
potential to frame and respond my
thoughts attractively to the
readers. I am a self-expressive
person Personal SWOT Analysis
(2021). Hence, I am able to express
my viewpoints very clearly and I
put across my point very
precisely.
 I possess highly advance and
proficient communication and
interpersonal abilities which
allows me to form cordial and
reliable relationship with my peer
groups and tutors.
 I am not good with managing my
work in timely manner. Time
management ability can be
marked as serious complication
faced by me while addressing
and managing any concerned
task or work allotted to me.
 My decision making ability is also
very weak. I am unable to take
respective stand in a conflicting
and implicating situation which
turn can be stated as a weakness
of mine which needs major focus
from my end.
Opportunities Threats
 My creativity skills are also very
good. I have creative streak to me
when it comes to framing
information content. Therefore,
this particular skill can be stated
 Plagiarism can be stated as a
possible threat which can be
faced by me during the academic
course. Therefore, in need to be
very careful while framing the

as one of my most significant
strengths. I realised that I can
exercise and channelize my
creativity effectively which can
also further assist me in elevating
the standard of work delivered by
me in the near future.
 I believe that academic writing I
an opportunity which can be
capitalized by me in order to
provide higher quality of working
field of academics.
content in order to reduce the
adverse issues and constraints
related to the same.
 The competition is increasing
within the academics’ section.
The existing and budding
competitions can impose serious
threat to me in delivering
exception performances and
acquiring recognition and awards
in the field of academics.
Part 2 - Setting goals
What do I want to
learn?
What do I have
to do?
How will I measure
success?
Target date for
review?
Time management
Skills
Set up regular
reminders and
alarms in a day,
maintain a
journal, develop a
to do list, follow a
precisely framed
time schedule.
The success can be
measured by the
accomplishment of
the time based
delaines without
any delay.
10TH January,2022
Decision Making
Skills
Decision making
skills can be
cultivated by me
through the use
of various
decision elevating
tools. Also, I can
achieve the
required
proficiency in the
specific skill by
allowing myself to
participate in real
life scenarios
wherein I need to
take an accurate
decision.
My decision making
ability can be
measured by the
extent to which my
decision will mark
to be effective in
achieve a specific
outcome or solving
an ongoing conflict.
30th January, 2022
Part 3 – Personal Objectives
Short-term goals (next 12 months)
 Plan and follow the daily routine time table appropriately.
Medium term goals (next 2-3 years)
 Manage finances and saving effectively.
Longer term goals (beyond 3 years)

 Start up my own business firm
References
Acquisition (2020). [Online] Available through:
<https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/acquisition>./
Practical Writing (2020). [Online] Available through:
<https://www.clarityenglish.com/program/practicalwriting/>./
Improve Your Writing Skills (2021). [Online] Available through: <https://miuc.org/6-ways-
to-improve-your-writing-skills/>./
Personal SWOT Analysis (2021). [Online] Available through: <https://miuc.org/6-ways-to-
improve-your-writing-skills/>./