Promoting deep learning through personal reflective e-journaling: A case study

Social work educators strive to enrich and integrate student learning. This paper proposes that deep, transformational learning can be facilitated through personal reflective journaling linking academic material and students' personal life experiences. The authors outline a theoretical framework on the place ofpersonal reflection in academic learning. A case study is presented where a reflective e-journal was used in an undergraduate social work theory class on HIV. Journal extracts and students' review of their journaling experience illustrate how students integrated academic learning and personal experiences. The authors conclude that reflective e-journaling could be a helpful tool to enhance student learning.