The Process Journal
The Process Journal
Embedded Files
Why a Process Journal?
Why a Process Journal?
The Process Journal is arguably the most important component of your Personal Project. Remember that the project is not about the product you create, but the process of creating it. Your process journal is where you collect the evidence that demonstrates you have the skills and attitudes of an IB learner.
The process journal is not a diary, and it's not something you can create at the end of the project. Instead, you will start your process journal on the first day of the personal project, and use it to record all your work, every step of the way. Your supervisor will check your journal regularly, and ensure that you are collecting enough evidence.
The more examples and details you have in your process journal, the easier it will be to create your final report. Putting energy in to your process journal from the very beginning means time saved at the end.
Wait... I thought you said only the REPORT was graded?
Wait... I thought you said only the REPORT was graded?
Yes, but your report must show evidence of your final product and your process journal. You will attach excerpts (screenshots) from your journal into your final report.
What does it look like?
What does it look like?
Your process journal can take many different forms, and you can choose what style of journal works best for you. Some of the more popular formats are:
Physical notebook. These are great for people who prefer to write / draw. Sometimes you will need to print things out to stick in your notebook. If you go with a physical notebook, you must scan your book regularly to have a digital backup.
Google Drive. Share a google drive folder with your supervisor and upload all your work to it. Install the folder on your phone and ipad, so that photos etc can be uploaded instantly. Make sure that your documents are labelled and dated so you can find things easily. Any handwritten notes will need to be scanned and added to your drive.
Managebac. Managebac has a feature that lets you upload documents, photos, and videos directly to your project file.
You can choose any other format you like, as long as it is approved by your supervisor.
m_process journal sample_1_e.pdf
What goes in it?
What goes in it?
Any work you do towards your project should go into your journal. There is no limit on the number of entries, so it's good to get in the habit of screenshot-ing your research, and taking photos or videos whenever you can. There will be various "check points" throughout the process, where your supervisor will be checking that your journal has enough evidence.
Remember, reflection is one of the four assessment objectives for the project, so as well as listing what you did, you need to reflect on the skills you are demonstrating as a learner. You'll find more ideas on how to do that in the reflect section.
Which learner profile are you? Take the quiz to find out!
Documenting ATL Skills and Learner Profile Attributes
Documenting ATL Skills and Learner Profile Attributes
Remember, the personal project is your opportunity to demonstrate you have the skills and attributes of an IB learner. Throughout the project, you will have opportunities to use your Thinking, Research, Social, Communication and Self-Management Skills in different ways. The document below lists some of the ways you might demonstrate these skills in your project.
An understanding of how your project connects to the ATL skills is essential when creating your final report. It's very useful (and highly recommended!) to make a note at the end of each process journal entry explaining which skill/s you used and how (you can select the skill from the ATL document posted here). This will save you a lot of time at the end of the project. Similarly, be aware of the Learner Profile attributes, and note in your process journal the times when you feel you are really demonstrating one of these.
Remember...
Remember...
The process journal can sometimes seem like a lot of "unnecessary busy work", but it doesn't have to. Keeping track of your process helps to keep you organised and helps you reach your goal. Reflecting on your process each step of the way helps you understand yourself as a learner.
By using your process journal effectively, you are developing skills that will help you reach your goals and dreams throughout your life.
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