7 Learning Journals for Students

“Writing in a journal reminds you of your goals and of your learning in life. It offers a place where you can hold a deliberate, thoughtful conversation with yourself.” -Robin Sharma

Journaling and Learning

Writing is a powerful and effective tool to promote thinking. It’s just the conversion of thoughts into words. Journaling is one such thing to do. Also, it’s a way of self reflection where you can document your thoughts and learn more about yourself. Many of us have the habit of maintaining a journal. If you don’t have one, what are you waiting for?

Learning is one of the most important and critical skills to keep in practice. When we think of learning, the first thing that strikes our mind is a classroom. We are tuned to believe that learning only happens in a class and by writing exams. But, that’s just half of the story. Expanding your capacity beyond your classroom learning completes your learning process. Learning journals are the ones which deepen the learning process of some kind.

Learning Journals for Students

The learning journals listed here help students think and elevate their talents and abilities.

• Question Journal: You can think effectively and process your mind when you have a question to answer. Question journals focus on inquiry. It streamlines the direction of your thoughts. What’s important is students understanding the purpose and improvising the questions every now and then. You can start with journal prompts and start exploring what’s important to you.
• Metacognitive Journal: To know about this journal, you need to first know what metacognition is. It’s thinking about thinking. This will showcase what you’ve learned and how you did it. Likewise, this journal will show how your thought process changes with time. When you come back and review this journal after a year or even a few months, you can see your blind spots. It helps you modify your thinking.
• Concept Journal: This is similar to your class notes. A concept journal is where you write about the concepts you think are important. It is the best one for students where you can add your understanding and thoughts about a particular topic. Similarly, it promotes your thinking through these concepts. You can give your own examples related to it and memorise it better.
• Highlighted Journal: Using a highlighter while learning is the most common practice for students. A highlighted journal helps you record all your important thoughts of the day at a place. Journaling is mainly for self reflection. This way you’ll be able to reflect on what’s more important to you. Also, after you attend a class, you can add all the highlighted points to this journal.
• Double-entry Journal: This journal is a combination of two different entries and the relationship between them. Students can easily relate concepts to their personal experiences this way. You can divide the page into two parts. Your thoughts and reactions go onto one page and the key points from class will be added on the right side. Now they match the personal experiences with classroom learning. It is the best method of learning and memorising.
• I ‘wonder’ Journal: It’s an imaginative journal which is unique for each individual. Writing this journal totally depends on the imaginative capabilities of students. You can wonder about anything and reflect your thoughts on it. For example, I wonder why vanilla ice cream is white in color when vanilla itself is brown? These kinds of abstract questions sharpen your imagination. I ‘wonder’ journal is less detailed and subjective but more interesting and imaginative.
• Critical incident Journal: There are many incidents which take place in your daily life. This journal keeps a record of your analysis of a particular incident. Many questions may arise and you can write down your thoughts on each of them. Also, you can record your thoughts and what your immediate reaction would be. Then, you can list down your action items. To start with, an incident which took place or an imaginary incident can be considered.

Journaling is learning and self reflection for one and a hobby for another. The type of your journal depends on your purpose. Journaling for learning is a new way to increase your potential to the fullest. It not only makes learning fun but also enhances your entire thought process. This practice will take you on an upward path of growth.

Keep your journal writing transformational and stay inspired to reflect your thoughts.

Happy Journaling!

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