What is it?

The process journal is where you'll track your learning throughout the project. It can take multiple different formats; you'll be presented with some options to support you as you start and then you can shape them to fit your style.

Learning is a process. Working on a project of this magnitude is a process. Becoming aware of your learning process through a project like this will serve you well academically, professionally, and personally.

For that reason, you probably want to document your process through a journal (or format of your choice) as you work on this project. This can take whatever format that’s true to your learning process. This workbook could even largely serve this purpose though you'd have some additional pieces to include. Want to write? Write! Want to create a color-coded post-it web of wonder on a wall in your room? Bring on the post-its! Want to create a video diary? Do it! Want to do a video chronicle of your learning as you work through the tasks? Press record! Want to do some combination of several of these? Explore that! Have another idea? Blog? YouTube channel? Instagram? Go for it!

Whatever you do, do it consistently (ideally at least once a week). Keep it organized somewhere (drive if electronic), take pictures if on paper/post-its. Date each entry. Include artifacts, quotes, research, brainstorming, charts, questions, pictures, etc.

Your process journal should:

1. be done as you work on the project, not at the end.

2. evolve as your project evolves.

3. capture your thought process, questions, and revisions along the way.

4. include reflection on conversations tied to the project (supervisor meeting, interviews, etc.).

5. note new research, sources.

6. be a place for you to brainstorm and document your problem-solving.

7. allow you to evaluate the work you’ve done.

8. allow you to identify new questions.

9. allow you to make connections.

10. allow you to reflect on the personal project process.

11. allow you to reflect on the learning process.

12. allow you to reflect on your growth academically and personally.

What’s awesome about this? Planning any piece of writing is essential, just as planning is essential to a project. A strong process journal supports a strong report--all the dots you have to connect in your report are in the process journal.

You should organize the process journal in alignment with the stages of the project: planning, applying skills, reflecting. Be prepared to share your process journal at each supervisor meeting.

Please note that if ever the journal feels like extra work instead of a living workbook that is critical to the process of the project, then you may not be using it as intended. Continuously reflect on whether or not it’s meeting your needs and adjust as needed. You can also check in with your supervisor or the coordinator for guidance.