Task Description: 

Aim: To develop the practice of linking theory to practice, as practitioners we need to immerse ourselves in the literature. A reading journal provides a mechanism for students to discuss and demonstrate an understanding of the theories, concepts and developmental approaches to community development practice.

Task: Students are required to critically read three readings and explore the community development methods, theories and practice discussed. Students will need to critically reflect on their own practice experience from the learning activities and explore their understanding of the skills, knowledge, and values of community development practice.

What is a Reading Journal?

A reading journal is a record of a student’s thinking and discussion of ideas about what each reading is exploring in relation to community practice.

Students have 500 words to explore these ideas. Therefore students need to be concise and clearly state the most important learnings and ideas explored in each reading.

Why a reading Journal?

A reading journal provides students with the opportunity to explore through reading and writing some key ideas, learnings and questions about community practice.

A reading journal exposes students to different practitioners, thinkers and writers approaches to community practice.

Each reading provides students with an opportunity to understand from a practitioner’s perspective the critical issues for practice.

Questions to shape your Reading Journal

1. What are the key messages the authors are exploring in each reading. Describe in full sentences and paragraphs
2. As the reader what are your critical observations of the practice context (location, people, and issues)? Where is the practice taking place? Who are the people involved? What are the issues/challenges raised by the authors about working alongside this particular community?
3. What are the critical challenges regarding community practice being explored in the reading? Name the challenges to your thinking about community practice?
4. What is the author telling us about community practice?
5. List three questions that emerge for you regarding community practice as a consequence of reflecting on the reading.

Tips for Setting out your Reading Journal

1. Full reference of the reading at top of the page.
2. You have 500 words to work with for each reading. Therefore you will need to be concise. Edit your work.
3. There is no need for lengthy description about the reading. You must assume that the reader of your journal has a full understanding of each of the readings. Do not waste words on lots of description.
4. You can draw on other readings to assist in your discussion. Therefore you are required to provide appropriate referencing.
5. No more than five (5) references for each reading. Minimum number of references two (2).
6. Setting out – Begin each Journal entry as a new page. With the full reference at the top of the page of the reading under discussion. At the end of the 500 words insert your reference list.