Is there anything with more potential than a blank notebook? How about a learning journal filled with examples of your own learning journey?
A notebook can be used to keep track of your goals and can be a space for you to reflect on how you’ve progressed. Here are five ways you can use a learning journal.
1. Write down your goals
Use your notebook to write down your learning goals. In addition to helping you set the stage for what you want to learn, it will also help you actually achieve those goals.
2. Plan your learning path
Map out what you’ll be learning and when. You can create a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly calendar — mapping out your learning tasks will help prepare you for the amount of time you will need to devote to your learning goals.
3. Take notes
Those blank pages are just begging to be filled with bits of information you’re taking in. If you’re not a fan of straight bullet-points, try the following:
- Draw images that represent what you’re learning
- Create charts that show connections between concepts
- Write out a storyboard that incorporates
- Highlight how what you’re learning applies to your life
4. Summarize the learning experiences you have
Summarizing what you learn is one of the best ways to ensure you’re understanding new concepts.
5. Reflect on your learning
Using a learning journal as a reflection journal can help you navigate the emotional and mental highs and lows of your learning journey. Self-reflection on learning is a valuable metacognitive skill that helps you grow.
You can have a separate notebook for each of the five uses above, or you can use the same notebook to document everything about one topic. Many people might prefer a traditional paper notebook, or you might prefer a notetaking or word processing application (e.g. OneNote or Evernote). Whichever format you choose, just be consistent and keep on learning!
