Relates what the author learned about learning through journal writing, namely: strategies to make order from confusion; ways to connect one's learning to the rest of one's life; ways to become aware not only of what we learn, but of how we learn, both alone and together. (SR)

Two surveys of university students examined the behavior of diary-keeping. Indications of motives for diary-keeping and the material entered in diaries suggests the behavior is a means of organizing one's life and for expressing thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The organizing characteristic of diary-keeping was often a useful strategy for…

Argues that time spent encouraging students to reflect about their learning is well invested. Offers four specific statements about what helps students to reflect: (1) students need relevant reasons for reflection and assurance that their reflections will be accepted; (2) students' opinions and judgments must be generally valued; (3) students need…

Discusses the eight-month examination of interactive student-teacher journal entries of first-, third-, and fifth-grade Spanish-English bilingual classrooms. Concludes that students did not make a "transition" from native to second language, instead used a bilingual approach, shifting language in journal entries. Suggests mandatory…

Describes the experiences, perspectives, and beliefs of three case-study subjects in a recent research study. Addresses both the role teachers' attitudes play in examining why so little creative dance is taught in elementary schools and the effect of workshop intervention on teachers' attitudes and practices. Finds that the teachers became more…

Recounts an extended classroom conversation between a fifth grade teacher and her students concerning multiculturalism. Reflects on issues raised in the conversation. Presents samples of students' writing in response to the conversation. Presents excerpts from parents' journals. (RS)

Discusses problems associated with journal writing in courses, particularly overuse, ethics, goals, and grading. Offers suggestions to consider how journals can help students reflect on their own learning. (SR)

Presents two journal exercises teachers can use to help their students develop and apply their cognitive skills. Asserts that the exercises help students to integrate what many consider to be dichotomous and frequently contradictory activities--feeling and thinking. Cites G. Lakoff and M. Johnson's "Metaphors We Live By" for the theoretical…

Describes several encounters with a student which led a composition instructor to conclude that she had been favoring analysis of completed works over self-analysis (in the form of a writing log kept during drafting and revising) of an essay in progress. Suggests that teachers continue to hone their response skills. (RS)

Annotates 17 conference papers, theses, and journal articles (published between 1989 and 1992) from the ERIC database that discuss the advantages and disadvantages of journal writing at all levels of education. (RS)

Interviews with 12 senior administrators (8 college, 2 business, 2 hospital) who kept a journal for a year or more revealed 3 major journal-keeping functions: sorting through administrative chaos; generating solutions to problems; and documenting the past by recording details of decisions, personal data, responses to situations. Implications for…

Describes "SwampLog," an action-research journal process useful for recording and reflecting upon ongoing experience, exploring and creating innovative approaches to education, and gauging the resultant effects upon organizational, instructional, and individual renewal. (PRA)

Outlines a three-part integrated and reciprocal program which can effectively incorporate a writing program that has a strong reading component into a drama curriculum. Includes journal writing as the foundation for the program, as well as "I-search" and integrated dramatic readings for further depth and coverage in the content area.…

Provides a writing teacher's journal of her experiences teaching classes on literary criticism and composition. Also includes excerpts from students' journals. Touches on cognitive processes, contestation, collaborative writing, and intertextuality. (PRA)

Journal writing is recommended to help gifted students understand themselves and be understood by others. Three techniques are described: journal jumpers, which are ideas useful in promoting self-disclosure and self-analysis in journal writing; film reaction writing; and analysis of emotional growth found in the journals of other writers. (JDD)