The Relationship Between the Grading of Reflective Journals and Student Honesty in Reflective Journal Writing
1About the Author Jo Anne Genua, PhD, MN, BScN, RN, CCHNC, is an assistant professor at Creighton University College of Nursing, Omaha, Nebraska. In 2018, the author received the Muriel Munchrath Nursing Scholarship Award and the Sister Patricia Miller Evidence-Based Research Award from Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Pi At-Large Chapter, University of Nebraska Medical Center. The author gratefully acknowledges Dr. Julia Aucoin, Nova Southeastern University Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, as committee chair during this dissertation research study. For more information, contact Dr. Genua at genua62@gmail.com.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to examine the existence of a relationship between the grading of reflective journals and student honesty in reflective journal writing.
Background:
Journal writing is often used to gauge skills and knowledge. However, disagreement exists as to whether journals should be graded as students may embellish experiences or write what the instructor wants to read. If students are not engaged in honest reflection, the benefit of reflective practice is reduced.
Method:
Data were collected using an anonymous online survey. The nonprobability sampling technique was used to examine the existence of a relationship between the grading of reflective journals and student honesty in reflective journal writing.
Results:
Findings indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between grading of reflective journals and student honesty.
Conclusion:
Instead of grading the written component, the process of reflective practice should be assessed, possibly changing to a grade of complete/incomplete.
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