Journal Entries and Reflections: Why they are Good Things

No I'm not Martha Stewart, but I do know something about academic writing! And one assignment type I find particularly useful is the journal entry (sometimes called a reflection). These are just what it seems, almost diary entries, based upon a particular class reading, class discussion, or other issue which the professor has deemed important enough to think about. Usually not graded as to grammar, punctuation, or other similar parameters, the journal entry is the ideal place for a student to reflect upon concepts, ideas, thoughts, without worrying about the writing itself.

When journal entries (reflections) are carried over the course of a semester, they can add up to be quite the internal conversation; what I mean is that over time, the student will have a record of everything he or she has thought about, how his/her thoughts and ideas have changed and grown, and how, as a result, s/he has changed and grown. It's a great way to keep track of personal growth as it relates to a particular class, especially when that class is something important to one's major (and/or one's life).

It's like a diary indeed, in that way. Sure, your professor will read these things, but most of them kind of have the same honor code thing going on which means that they tend to be very non-judgmental, very supportive, of whatever the student is thinking about relative to the reading, discussion, or whatever. As long as the student is actually *thinking*, that is; if s/he blows through the assignment and doesn't really give it the attention it deserves, that's obvious.

But there is no need to be superficial here! Again, it's a perfect opportunity to actually reflect upon what you are being taught and, thus, to actually learn something in a deep and meaningful way. See? Journal entries and reflections really are good things.