2. A Learning Journal is:
• diverse;
• not necessarily written - but most of the time assume written format;
• generally reflective and accumulated over a period of time with the
intention to learn, i.e. not purely descriptive;
• flexible (it can be structured or unstructured)
• a useful back-up to learning;
• something that accentuates favourable conditions for learning - e.g. space,
time, reflection.
• applicable to all disciplines (not just literary).
3. The Eighteen Purposes of Journaling
1. To record experience
2. To facilitate learning
from experience
3. To support
understanding and the
representation of that
understanding
4. To develop critical
thinking or the
development of a
questioning attitude
5. To encourage
metacognition
4. The Eighteen Purposes of Journaling
6. To increase active
involvement in, and
ownership of, learning
7. To increase ability in
reflection and thinking
8. To enhance problem
solving skills
9. As a means of
assessment in formal
education
10. To enhance reflective
practice
11. For reasons of personal
development and self
empowerment
5. The Eighteen Purposes of Journaling
12. For therapeutic
purposes or as means
of supporting
behaviour change
13. To enhance creativity
14. To improve or give
'voice'; as a means of
self expression
15. To improve writing
16. To foster
communication; in
particular reflective
and creative
interaction within a
group
6. The Eighteen Purposes of Journaling
17. To support planning
and progress in
research or a project
18. As a means of
communication
between one learner
and another
Moon, J (undated) Learning Journals and Logs,
Reflective Diaries, Centre for Teaching and Learning
Good Practice in Teaching and Learning, University of Exeter
