Creating a Reflective Journal

Reading assignment. Check. Finished homework problems. Check. So, I’m done… right? Maybe not. Ok, why not?

  It is a normal failing of most students to skip this all important step, reflecting on the lesson. Why? Because all too often, students run short on time to allow for this process of internalization. I am going to give you some ideas on creating a journal, what you should document, and when you should use your journal.

Creating the Journal

  The journal may be created on paper or in digital form. If you want to create your journal in a digital format, use MS OneNote or OpenOffice. OpenOffice is a free download from Sun Microsystems and contains all the Math and Engineering symbols a student might need for those particular classes. The pros of sticking with a paper journal may be that it is faster to develop, just start writing! I often create my journals from inexpensive composition notebooks because they are chronological and easy to carry when I need it to review for a test. Plus, I have limited desk space, so having the notebook allows me to focus better rather than be distracted with constantly looking back through my notes. It does not matter which form the journal takes as long as you are comfortable with the format that you choose.

Words, words, words.

1.      Begin each lesson with the terminology that was used in lecture. This will help improve your confidence and understanding of the material. Many students forget that you need to use a new word three times before you can claim is as your own.

2.      Draw pictures of the major concepts that were taught. It can be as simple as a flow chart, diagram, or cut and paste a picture from a magazine or newspaper if it will help you understand it better. It may sound like kindergarten work, but don’t you miss those days? This will help you become connected to your learning and create positive feelings of the material and thereby increase confidence.

3.      Research. If you are still struggling to grasp a concept, document it in your journal with a question mark, and go research it online. I have found several helpful and simple videos online that were created by teachers and professors in the field. Write down the link or tag it in your web browser’s bookmarks labeled “_______ Journal”, so that it is easier to find for review.

4.      Some classes require a term paper. The internet and your school library has made the process of finding quality information much easier. Document the source in the format that you will have to use for your term paper and then list your evidence or quotes from the article and the page that it was found on. From personal experience, this condensed the time it took me to write the paper and aided in forming a more cohesive work.

5.      Special instructions for Math/Engineering Class: The best way to learn Math is to practice, practice, practice! The way I normally do my Math homework is to do the problems, ask questions about the ones that I did not understand, correct the mistake, and the redo the problem. When I redo the problem, I will take a hi-liter and mark the areas that I made the mistake, so that I can be more aware of my thinking process concerning a similar problem.

6.      Write a reflective entry. What were problems for you? What did you enjoy about the lesson? We don’t always use the same Intelligence in every class to learn. Some are stronger than others for certain subjects. The key here is to find what is working for you and what is not.

Timing is everything

  With classes that require more time than others to study for, you may want to review your journal every morning before class. This will keep the information from the previous lesson fresh in your mind, especially when it is a class that does not meet everyday. Review your journal for at least fifteen minutes. Read through the details and mark areas that still confuse you so that you can ask your instructor about it. More than likely, someone else is having the same problem. Remember, you are not alone in the learning process but a reflective journal will help you correct your thinking and boost your confidence of the subject in the process.

Happy studying!