learning journal

Learning Journals

Contents

What is a learning journal?

What is a learning journal?

A learning journal is a collection of notes, observations, thoughts and other relevant materials built-up over a period of time and usually accompanies a period of study, a placement experience or fieldwork. Its purpose is to enhance your learning through the very process of writing and thinking about your learning experiences. Your learning journal is personal to you and will reflect your personality and experiences.

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Structuring your learning journal >>1

Why use a learning journal? >>1

Structuring your learning journal
A learning journal may be called several different things: a learning log, a fieldwork diary or personal development planner, for example. Different subject areas may ask you to focus on different aspects of your experiences and may also have a different format. A journal could be a notebook, an electronic document or sometimes can be recorded verbally on a tape. You will need to check which format is required with your module tutor. What is reflective learning? >>2

Diagram of the process of reflective learning

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Benefits of developing your skills in reflective learning Why use a learning journal:
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To provide a ‘live picture’ of your growing understanding of a subject or experience
To demonstrate how your learning is developing
To keep a record of your thoughts and ideas throughout your experiences of learning
To help you identify your strengths, weaknesses and preferences in learning

Essentially, a learning journal helps you to be reflective about your learning, this means that your learning journal should not be a purely descriptive account of what you did etc but an opportunity to communicate your thinking process: how and why you did what you did, and what you now think about what you did.

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The content of your learning journal

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What should you