Sen, B.A. (2010) Reflective writing: a management skill. Library Management , 31 (1-2). pp. 79-93. ISSN 0143-5124
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze students' reflective writing in terms of identifiable outcomes and explore students' thoughts on reflection and reflective writing as a process.
Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methods approach is taken with a qualitative analysis of 116 written reflections from MA Librarianship studying management over an eight-month period. A quantitative statistical analysis assesses the relationships between reflective writing and a number of possible outcomes identified from the literature.
Findings – A significant relationship is found between seven of eight outcomes tested; academic learning, the need for self-development, actual self-development, critical review, awareness of ones' own mental functions, decision making and empowerment and emancipation. There is some evidence of a relationship between non-academic learning and reflective writing, but it is not significant. A number of themes emerged from the reflective writings regarding reflection itself, with students seeing reflection as a positive activity, with benefits for the individual, groups and in the workplace, and identifying reflection as a skill that can be practiced and developed.
Practical implications – Reflection and reflective writing as a management skill has potential benefits for personal and professional development and improving work-based practice.
Originality/value – This paper differs from the previous literature in presenting statistical evidence to confirm the relationships between reflective writing and a range of potential outcomes.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2010 Emerald Group. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Library Management. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Information management; Library management; Library studies; Management skill |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Information School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Miss Anthea Tucker |
Date Deposited: | 29 Jan 2010 14:04 |
Last Modified: | 26 Mar 2014 11:04 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01435121011013421 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Emerald Group |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1108/01435121011013421 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:10336 |