Key Points
- A learning journal acts as a modern-day workbook that allows learners to reflect on training content and document their insights.
- The primary purpose of these journals is to reinforce learning by helping individuals process experiences and plan practical applications.
- Facilitators can integrate learning journals at any stage—before, during, or after a program—to support specific training modalities.
Table of Contents
What Is A Learning Journal?
A learning journal is a way for learners to reflect on what they’re learning and take notes during their training program. The premise behind a learning journal is that by integrating reflection questions with course content, learners can process their learning experience and individually determine how they will apply what they have learned.
In essence, a learning journal is a modern-day “workbook” or “learner guide” that provides learners with something concrete that they can refer to. A learning journal may also be used to share ideas with other learners or reflect on their learning experience with a leader or mentor.
When Is A Learning Journal Used?
A learning journal may be used before, during, or after a program depending on its content and training modality.
- Before: A learning journal may be used to house pre-work activities, including short articles, thought-provoking questions, or case studies.
- During the training: A learning journal can serve as a place to write notes or enter information from breakout activities that occur during training.
- After: After a course has been completed, a learning journal may serve as a resource for additional information. It may also include reflection questions or a conversation guide to complete with a partner or manager.
Regardless of when a learning journal is used, its main purpose is to reinforce learning by giving learners a space to reflect on their training and write down their thoughts. In multi-session courses, the learning journal also serves as a tool to connect content and themes from one session to the next.
Examples Of Learning Journals
