Journal Writing

The purpose of a journal is to keep a record of your thoughts, impressions, ideas or progress. It may be about a particular assignment, or your ideas on a book you are reading or it may be about reflecting on how a process is going. Journals are a way to both record and remember what is happening and look back and reflect.

Type of Language Used

More likely to have personal and informal language.

Will usually have multiple entries over a period of time.

Could be short entries of a few sentences; however, longer journal entries should be in paragraph format.

Reflective and evaluative language is often used.

Structure of Journal Writing

While each Journal is different depending on its purpose and audience, there are some similarities. Journals will usually always include:

A date and or title of each entry.
A record of events that happened during the time being written about.
A reflection on how this affected your thinking or ideas or progress.
Sometimes the entry will finish with a prediction about what may happen next.

In the example to the left, the student has been asked to keep a Journal about their thoughts and feelings regarding the beginning of their time at Murray Bridge High School.

What does an example of Journal Writing look like?

My First Term at MBHS 13/04/2022

I remember standing at the front of Sturt Block on the first day of high school, so nervous and unsure about what was to come. But now, I can confidently say, my first term at MBHS has been great. I have come a long way since being the shy student who sat at the back of the class, too scared to raise their hand and ask for help. Throughout the term, I found I really love learning about History, especially the Black Death. Before coming to High School, I had never heard of it, but now I can see how it impacted society and the similarities it has with COVID. I am excited to see what we learn about next in History and broadening my horizons and gaining so much new knowledge. I think my passion and effort in History this term paid off because I received a B+ in my progress grades which is the best grade I have ever had in any subject! I am finishing Term 1 very proud of my achievements and ready to go the extra mile in Term 2. My goal is to push myself and get an A grade in History. Hopefully the next time I write in my reflection journal, I will be about half-way through Term 2, still enjoying being at MBHS.

Tips for Success

HASS

Have I:

Stated the date and title at the top of each journal entry?
Considered the perspective/point of view the journal will be written from?
Used personal, reflective and evaluative language?
Considered the key elements of the journal and the events you will be reflecting on throughout?
Reflected on the events discussed in the journal and considered the ideas and progress made from reflection?
Thought about or made a prediction about what might happen following your journal entry?

English

Have I:

Stated the date and title at the top of each journal entry?
Considered the perspective/point of view the journal will be written from?
Used personal, reflective and evaluative language?
Considered the key elements of the journal and the events you will be reflecting on throughout?
Reflected on the events discussed in the journal and considered the ideas and progress made from reflection?
Thought about or made a prediction about what might happen following your journal entry?

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