Learning Logs and Learning Journals

Introduction to Learning Logs

For many professionals we are being asked to keep a learning log. This often is part of a professional development course, or occasionally by our employers. This page outlines approaches to learning logs and provides some useful tools.

Many of us learn in different ways (see our page on the Honey and Mumford learning cycle), many of us neglect the reflective phase. Maintaining a Learning Log helps us to reflect in a simple yet structured way.

What is a learning Log?

One definition is - Diaries or journals kept by learners, which are used as tools for problem solving and progression. The emphasis is on reflection and the self-evaluation of learning, not simply on simply recording dates and lessons.

The purpose of Learning Logs

to sharpen learners' ability to observe and document their learning, and to use the documentation for self-assessment and planning.

Process:
Learning logs are different from learning journals. Learning Journals usually focus subjectively on personal experience, reactions, and reflections. Learning logs are more documentary records of learners' work process (what they're doing); their accomplishments, ideas, or questions. They are a record of learning as it occurs. Trainers, coaches and developers can use logs to determine what a person is learning, where they are struggling, and how they need help.

Determine what will be documented and why. Is the purpose to help individuals observe what they're learning? Name their questions? Chronicle their achievements? Where do you want to focus their attention?

Model and discuss the kinds of documentation you are looking for. Clarify the criteria for unsatisfactory, satisfactory, and excellent entries, so that the expectations are clear. This will allow you to avoid misunderstanding - logs full of one-word responses or lengthy entries.

Build regular time for writing in the logs, so that it becomes a predictable ritual.

Engage learners in discussion and sharing based on what they've written in their logs, so that their documentation can be used for a real communicative purpose (as well as a reflective one).

Have learners self-assess their work based on their documented notes. What do they think they've learned? Where do they need more work?

Examples of learning Logs

Books I read _______ Comments _______

What we did on our project today ________
Comments ________
Next Steps _______


What we learned today _____
Questions I have ______


New words/ jargon/ abrevisations I learned _______
Where I can use these _______


Date What I worked on

Developing reflective learning skills

Learning logs were found to serve as a valuable means of helping learners connect theory with familiar working practice and also enabled them to reflect on their own personal development over time.

Comparison between the first and final log entries indicate that learners are able to critically re-evaluate many of their initial assumptions about learning experiences.

While the first log entries were characterized by skepticism and relativist attitudes to initial learning, the final entries indicate that many learners have learned the value of reflective style learning logs as a key part of the learning process.

Are learning logs universally accepted?

One of the problems of learning logs is the assumption that the individual likes reflective learning - as many of us know, this is not reality!

Using a Honey & Mumford LSQ's one can target the reflectors first - gain some ground and then slowly start integrating it. The fact that most of the professional bodies have dropped attempts for members to keep a diary shows that as a strategy it is not a universal success.

Learning Log 101 - Formats

there are an many formats of learning logs as there are users of them.

These include:
Lists
Diaries
Notes
Mind maps
Concept maps
Blogs
Wikis

As we are all different the most effective method or template for a learning log is the one that works for the individual. Organizations that have 'forced' one solution have universally failed.

The best solution is to offer a range of methods to individuals, give them an exercise with each format, work with each and play with each - then leave it to the individual learning to either adopt one of the templates given or develop their own.

Learning Log Formats and templates

These will be published here soon, in the mean time please see our page on Personal Development Plans.

this page is currently under development - more content soon!