Weekly Journal

Ethical reflections journal 

Keep a weekly journal, where you respond to prompts such as:

  • What ethical questions or dilemmas did I encounter this week?

  • How did I respond, and why?

  • Did my thinking shift compared to earlier weeks?

  • What other ethical frameworks or values influenced my response?

As your journal develops, use dates and timestamps. Revisit earlier entries to identify patterns or notice changes. 

'Before and after' ethical thinking maps 

Create a visual map of your ethical position on a topic at the start of the semester.

Revisit it and update your map midway through the course, and finally again at the end. Include key influences, like readings, discussions, personal experiences or your takeaways from group activities and workshops. Record areas of growth, tension or where you have re-considered something. 

Ethical reflection maps support CLOs 2 to 4, by helping you reflect on your own ethical frames and compare them with others. 

Dialogue logs

After group discussions or peer feedback sessions, write a short log. 

  • What ethical perspectives did others share?

  • How did they differ from or align with yours?

  • Did anything challenge or expand your thinking?

This helps you engage with collaborative learning (CLO 5 and CLO 6) and track convergence or divergence in your ethical views.

Portfolio annotations 

Annotate your portfolio entries and artefacts. Consider answering the following questions: 

  • Why did you choose this artefact?

  • What ethical ideas does it reflect?

  • How does it show a shift or development in your thinking?

These annotations help provide evidence of engagement with learning processes (CLO 1) and demonstrate your authentic reflection.

Ethical compass check-in 

Routinely check-in with your ethical compass. Every few weeks, answer:

  • What are my core ethical values right now?

  • Have any changed or evolved?

  • What influenced those changes?

You can use a simple template or create a visual 'compass' to track movement over time. If you've been using ethical thinking maps, you might be able to use these to track how your stance has changed. 

Voice memos or video diaries 

Record short reflections after key learning moments. These may include challenging readings, a heated class debate, or a personal experience that has raised ethical questions for you. 

These reflections can be transcribed or added to your portfolio as artefacts.