The Process Journal
The Process Journal
Embedded Files
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.
What goes in it?
What goes in it?
- Evidence
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. Your supervisor will be checking your journal regularly, to make sure it has enough evidence of your process.
Your evidence could include:
visual thinking diagrams (mind maps)
bulleted lists
charts
short paragraphs
notes
timelines, action plans
annotated illustrations
annotated research
artifacts from inspirational visits to museums, performances, galleries
pictures, photographs, sketches
up to 30 seconds of visual or audio material
screenshots of a blog or website
self- and peer-assessment feedback.
There are lots of ideas for things that you can add to your process journal in the Planning and Applying Skills sections of this website.
2. ATL Reflections
2. ATL Reflections
Remember, the project is all about applying skills and reflecting on your growth as a learner. So each time you add some evidence, you must connect that evidence to an ATL skill reflection.
A good way to structure this is to use these sentence starters below. You can find more information about which ATL skills to use in the Applying Skills section of this website.
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