Journal Writing: Old Fare or Nouvelle Cuisine?

Abstract

Journal writing is a popular teaching/learning technique that enables students to connect specific course concepts to their experiences. Students believe that journal writing stimulates critical thinking, provides feedback about learning, and is a means of self-expression. Teachers agree that journals provide developmental feedback and permit self-expression, but reviewing journals is time-consuming. The adaptability of the journal to diverse learning objectives assures its continuing role as a teaching/learning technique.