ROLUL JURNALULUI REFLEXIV ÎN FORMAREA INIŢIALĂ A CADRELOR DIDACTICE: O REVIZUIRE SISTEMATICĂ A LITERATURII
THE ROLE OF THE REFLECTIVE JOURNAL IN THE INITIAL TRAINING OF TEACHERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Summary/Abstract: This systematic literature review explores the role and impact of reflective journals in initial teacher training, within an educational context marked by complexity and academic pressures. Utilizing the PRISMA methodology, four digital databases were searched: Taylor & Francis, EBSCO Education Research Complete, Elsevier (by Scopus), and Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC). Through this review, 13 articles published between 2013 and 2025 were selected, coded, and analyzed based on the research questions, which targeted the benefits, levels of reflectivity, identified barriers, and effective support strategies during pedagogical practicum stages. The results indicate that the reflective journal acts as an essential element in the construction of professional identity, facilitating the transition from student to practitioner by transforming raw experience into structured pedagogical knowledge. Although benefits include the development of metacognitive awareness, emotional self-regulation, and increased self-efficacy, the analysis reveals a paradox: most students tend to remain at a descriptive level, facing difficulties in achieving critical reflectivity. The findings highlight the need for a “reflective pedagogy” that prioritizes authentic dialogue and formative assessment, providing future teachers with a secure space for managing uncertainties and grounding a career based on continuous learning and autonomy. The analysis highlights unexplored areas that may open new research horizons for this field. Future studies should target the impact of new technologies and digital environments on the reflective process. Furthermore, regarding the optimization of practice, it is recommended to prioritize specific training for mentors, aiming to transform them into dialogue partners capable of providing adequate support.

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