Learning Journal Instructions
Why do it
Maintaining a journal serves several purposes:
A means of communication, conversation eg between material and yourself, yourself and instructors
Provides regular feedback between you and the instructors and helps to match expectations.
Platform for synthesis of knowledge and ideas
Help develop critical thinking
Helps to elicit topics of interest, challenging topics that need improvement, etc.
What to write?
First write a brief summary of the contents of a lecture, lab activity, group discussion or reading material. Then reflect upon these activities. Record your own thoughts, ideas, responses and reactions to any of the above activities. Make notes about concepts, questions you have, and any confusion that may arise. Use the journal to explore possible solutions to problems being raised in class or alternative activities to the ones presented in class. Record new insights and problem solving strategies realized during discussions with fellow students and instructors. The journal reflects your own thoughts and ideas. Be as original and critical constructive as you can.
Some additional ideas:
Describe any feedback you received or any specific interactions you had.
Discuss how they were helpful Describe your feelings and attitudes What surprised me or caused me to wonder?
What happened that felt particularly challenging? Why was it challenging to me
What skills and knowledge do I recognize that I am gaining?
What am I realizing about myself as a learner?
In what ways am I able to apply the ideas and concepts gained to my own experience?
