Journals are a personal space for private communication between instructors and students. Journals can be a self-reflective tool for learners to post opinions, ideas, and concerns about the class or discuss and analyze class-related materials. Reflective learning is more the state of mind with which a student approaches content than the resolution or conclusions that the student draws from learning something (Pavlovich, 2007). Thus, the key to reflective learning is to think deeply about the material and draw connections to what one already knows. Journals are similar to blogs; however, blogs are usually public and private.

Why use it: Reflective journaling enhances critical thinking skills and encourages students to achieve more profound levels of learning. Students benefit from journaling because journaling promotes future learning. They center student thinking within the learning process and promote creativity in reflection. Journaling activities enhance the development of critical thinking and can transform learning. When students put thought into their writing, they are encouraged to think deeply, revisit their thoughts, and possibly challenge their thinking. Helping students link course material with their experiences through reflection improves learning by increasing their comprehension of course material and ability to apply those concepts in a wide variety of settings. In addition, journaling can enhance communication skills, self-learning, self- and social awareness, empathy, and sensitivity to cultural differences.

Journals offer a means to expand students' writing and communication skills to new platforms. Five types of reflection exist:

Technical reflection focuses on performance improvement.

Reflection in/on action focus on learning as it is happening and past experiences.

Deliberative reflection reviews multiple perspectives on a topic/situation to determine the best solution.

Personal reflection aids in self-evaluation and goal setting.

Critical reflection allows students to question their learning to bring about change.

Criteria

In the Journal, you will be graded on the following:

A descriptive record of your study and reflections (quantity)

Personal observations and questions about theories and course material (quality)

Evaluation of the learning process (critical thinking)

Planned creative improvement or goals based on your reflection

Expectation and Submission Mode

A minimum of 10 entries range from 2 to 3 paragraphs per entry. This does not include appendices or images.

You can submit the journal (as one final document) in the Assignment section, or you can do it per week in the Journal section of Blackboard. We will accept both options.