Starting a learning journal can be daunting for many people, especially for individuals who are not avid writers. But a learning journal does not need to be quite so daunting. Instead of thinking of it as a written record, refer to it more as a reflective journey to delve deeper into learning, understand learning and to evaluate ways to improve. Think of a learning journal as reflective guide through experiences.
All of this being said, here ae some tips to starting and maintaining a learning journal.
Getting Started
This is probably the most overwhelming part of starting a learning journal. It doesn’t matter if you are a writer or not a writer. A blank piece of paper or an empty notebook can be exciting and also most formidable. So, my favorite tip? Just write what is on the tip of your tongue. On the top of your mind. At the front of your thoughts. Just start with a stream of thoughts. Think about:
- What is making you most happy today?
- What is your greatest problem?
- What would you like to accomplish today?
- What is your biggest goal?
- What is your greatest desire?
- Where would you like to be in a year? Five years? Ten years?
Take a moment to simply record more questions. This is a great way to start a journal.
The best piece of starting to write is that it will spur further thoughts. You will build upon them. Before you know it, you will see may things to record.
Graham Gibbs in his 1988 book, Learn by Doing, shares some other ideas and questions:
- list your strengths and weaknesses
- What I understand well?
- What I understand badly?
- What I’m good at?
- What I’m bad at?
- What went well?
- What went badly?
There are no rules to keeping a learning journal. It’s simple. Just dive in and do what makes you happy. Are you someone who prefers bullet points? Keep your learning journal in that format. If you like scrapbooking, introduce some elements of scrapbooking to your learning journal. Are you artistic? Make some sketches or paints in your journal. Do you have a method of reflective practice that you enjoy? Follow those points or steps.
No rules. Just your creativity.
Simplicity
Use simple language. Don’t worry on large, flowery words. Just use what comes naturally to you. The other bonus of using simpler language is that it makes it easier to process. Instead of working on decoding larger words, you will be able to spend your mental capacity on the learning process.
Create your own structure. Do you want to list some notes from a book? Is there a problem you’re working through? Or maybe you can look at a problem-solving methodology? Also, you don’t have to choose one structure and stick to it. You can use a variety of structures depending on your needs.
Review
Go back and review what you’ve recorded. This is THE most valuable part of keeping a learning journal – the ability to revisit your notes and thoughts. A tip? I like to keep the margins free so that I have space to record new thoughts on old material. As you look through old entries, ponder:
- Do you agree or disagree with the recorded information?
- Do you have new insights?
- Can you make connections to new materials and resources you are reading?
- How can you use this information?
Be True to You
Don’t worry about the judgments of others. Don’t worry about how your learning journal measures up to others. Make the learning journal work for you.
Feelings
This is a point that is debated from one website to another, one expert to another. Some experts dissuade individuals from including feelings while other encourage the recording of feelings. I recommend using and recording feelings. Feelings give insights into our learning. Not only do we have insights into our learning. Take moment and ponder a time when you went into a classroom angry, sad, exhausted, etc. How did this effect your learning? How do some feelings and emotions promote learning for you? What feelings will keep you from optimal learning?
One more point about feelings and emotions. The best learning will occur when you explore who you really are.
Keep digging. After you have recorded, evaluated and reflected on your learning, review it again and again. You’ll be amazed at what else you will find. Think of your learning journal as a conversation with yourself. To dig deeper, create questions to further investigate.
Options
In root cause analysis, practitioners are encouraged to investigate problems and develop options by looking at exactly what is causing the problems. They look at options by asking themselves why five times. It is called the five why approach. Try it out! You’ll dig deeper and also discover many options.
More Than Words
Words are valuable but try sketches. Look at graphic organizers. Create flowcharts. The options are limitless. Create a visually appealing record. Use colors. Colors can be vital – not just ink colors. Highlight information.
Chunks
What is chunking? It is the process by which a larger topic is broken into smaller pieces. Take the smaller piece and mull it over. Fully investigate it before moving on to the next piece.
A Starting and Ending Point
When looking at a topic, can you identify where it started? Where does it end? What is the beginning of it all? For instance, when looking at adult learning, one can say that Malcolm Knowles was the father of the theory, but was he really? Interestingly, upon further investigation, an individual will learn that there is more information to be found in the history of a Greek philosopher. Which one? Go look it up. See what you can learn.
Always take a moment to summarize your learning. It doesn’t need to be eloquent. Nobody is grading you. It is an opportunity to revisit your learning experience one last time.
Action Plans
What is the point of learning if it doesn’t lead to change? Always take a moment to create an action plan. How can you implement what you are learning? How can it lead to improvements in your life? What kind of plans will lead to personal and professional improvements? Also, be sure to note how you will acknowledge change. Basically, what assessments will you put into place to demonstrate the action plan is effective?
Talk
Talk? Yes, talk! Share what you are learning. Share with those around you. Share with those who are interested in the same things. Share with experts. Learn more. Talking leads to collaborative learning.
Comments are closed