IU Best Practices: Journals

Sample 1:

This one-page reflection is a culmination of what was learned during the week that might not have been reflected in the other assessments for learning. Be sure to answer the following questions: 

1. What are 3 important things that you now know that you were not aware of before reading this chapter and other materials presented?

2. What is one thing that came to mind that I would like to know more about?

Sample 2:

What surprised you from this week's material? 

Describe 3 new things that you learned and list them as 1, 2, 3 but describe what you learned not just state a fact. 

Then tell me how you will use the information in your work or life?

Sample 3: 

Provide an ongoing record of personal responses to course material.  Reflect on the course's key concepts and their relationship to your personal and/or professional experiences.  Journal entries should demonstrate a depth of introspection and application of course concepts expressed in a complete, clear, articulate, and appropriate manner.  This reflection should be a well-organized and sequential outline of what you have learned and should be 1-2 pages in length.  

It is strongly recommended that you maintain the documents in a sequential order (journal) outside of this location on your own. The journal is a comprehensive course analysis and review.  The journal will later serve as a useful study tool for exams at the state and national levels.  

Sample 4:

Each week, students are to share their progress with their instructor using this journal.  

Each entry should include your status, successes, and obstacles. Please conclude your 500-word entry with a list of questions to the instructor for his/her reply.