Using a learning journal to improve professional practice: a journey of personal and professional self‐discovery

Abstract

This paper provides an account of how I improved my professional practice by keeping a reflective learning journal. It begins with the recognition that to improve my practice I first needed to understand its nature. This resulted in an evolving journey of personal and professional self‐discovery that led to a greater understanding of my role as a practitioner–researcher. I describe how engaging in double‐loop reflection (as distinct from single‐loop reflection) became my real reflective learning, and how that process helped me analyse my theories‐in‐use, leading to an understanding of where and how my practice needed to improve. I acknowledge the importance of recording my practice honestly, and illustrate how writing openly and appreciatively led to a richer reflective and reflexive journal that helped me better understand and manage the change taking place in my organization.