Project #1 - The Learning Journal | Worksheet

We are all about learning projects here at JJL.  We're kicking off our collaborative community with a new project that I'd like to get your feedback on.

I've created a tool that can assist people in the learning process.  It is often difficult to organize one's thoughts, keep track of the flow of information, or even know what to do with new information when we receive it.  I like to write things down while I'm learning.  Give me a good pen and a clean legal pad and I'm ready - whether I'm listening to someone or simply reading through a book, article, or blog posting.  But my thoughts often end up unorganized.  I didn't have a system to record or translate them into something meaningful and understandable.

Introducing The Learning Journal | Worksheet (LJW).

I envision this resource as a launch pad for thoughtful interaction, contemplation, and implementation of the learning process.  One of the things I'm discovering when a new idea comes my way is that I need a place to store that idea and consider what I can do with it.  The LJW is a simple form that can assist me in the process of moving from idea to action steps.

Here's a brief overview of the various components of the LJW:

• Learning Concept/Description
  This area serves as the launch pad for the rest of the document.  In this section you would enter the topic or idea that you are learning more about. It would also serve as a place to write down any learning goals that you might have throughout the process.  This area also includes a small window to write down any key words or concepts that are important.
• Learning Notes/Diagram
  Many people are visual learners and find that they better comprehend information if it's drawn out, charted, graphed, or contains images.  This section gives the learner an open space or canvas to draw and create.  It also contains a graph section as another creative space.
• File. Topic. Tag.
  This section gives the learner a chance to identify key words or phrases that this new information could be labeled under.  People are becoming voracious taggers on the internet.  This process is incorporated into this pen and paper process as well.
• Questions?
  With each new idea/concept, there are bound to be new questions that are raised.  This component gives the learner a place to jot those questions down.  Answers could be recorded on other portions of the page when they are discovered.
• Timeline
  This is one of the most overlooked aspects in our learning.  When we are in the process of learning on our own, we often miss out on the opportunity to use information because we don't have a plan for when we will use it.  The LJW helps create a plan by asking the learner to create some time-sensitive goals in regards to what is being learned.  The timeline component can be used for daily, weekly, or monthly learning goals.
• Learning Outcomes Index
  Continuing with the understanding that we often need to move into action (discover a next action step) with new learning, this component gives the learner an overview of what needs to happen next.  The LJW allows the learner to jot down important concepts and then assign action steps (or outcomes) to each item.  Those steps include:
  

  *Application - This is an item that I need to apply to some part of my life.
  *Teachable - This is an item that I need to share/teach others.
  *File - This is an item that I need to hang on to for future reference.
  *Respond - This is an item that I need to do something about.
  *Dialogue - This is an item that I need to talk to somebody about.

• Teaching Points
  This component gives the learner a chance to write down some ideas of how and who they can teach this new idea/concept to.  Oftentimes, teaching a subject can lead to a better learning experience.  We tend to learn something more thoroughly when we are called on to teach it to others.
• Reflection
  This section allows the learner to record thoughts, feelings, and other ideas that come to the surface when the time is taken to reflect on what is being learned.  Reflection allows the new idea/concept to sink more deeply into our experiences and allows us the ability to see it from a variety of angles.
• Action
  This section is for those items that we need to respond or apply to our lives.  It can serve as a place to expand on goals or items that the learner places in the timeline section.
• Notes
  This is another miscellaneous section that can be used as an overflow space on the LJW.

At the top of the LJW is a place to write in the date and a number.  Both may be useful, especially when the learning needs to continue on numerous sheets of paper.  Of course, the learner can use the back of the sheet as well for further notes.  If you would like to see an image of what the downloadable form looks like, simply click on the thumbnail image to the right.

You can help enhance this tool.
Everyone learns and comprehends things differently.  I've created a tool that contains elements that are useful for me.  There may be some variations of it that would be more helpful for you.  Some people have moved away from pen and paper altogether - putting everything into digital form on their computers.  I still like to write - there's something organic about it.  I would love to hear your feedback about this tool.  Is there something that you like?  Is there something else that might enhance this tool?

Download The Learning Journal | Worksheet [36KB PDF]

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Tim Milburn works on a University campus where learning is a way of life.  As the author of studentlinc, an online resource that seeks to develop lifelong leaders one student at a time, Tim creates tools, resources, and equips students who are poised to change the face of our campuses and culture.