Building bridges between the researched and researchers : the use of reflective journals in vocational education research

One of the by-products of the growing level of activity in vocational education and training research has been the increasing demand on workplaces to act as sites for inquiry. In these instances, a common question that researchers need to confront from potential respondents is "What's in it for me and my organisation?" The challenge for researchers is to employ data collection tools that will both assist the process of the data collection and offer the opportunity for benefits to respondents. This paper examines the methodology of using reflective journals as a data collection tool that facilitates the achievement of these twin goals. The rationale for the use of the journals, along with some of the practicalities in managing the data collection process, will be examined. Using a recent study analysing work-based learning as a case study, data evaluating the use of journals and their impact on the respondents and their workplace will be examined and discussed.