How to write a learning diary

A learning diary is a journal of your own work, thoughts, problems, questions, learning processes, conclusions, reflections. It is mental processing of things you have learned -but also of things you recognize are yet to be learned.

A learning diary is NOT the same thing as a basic lecture diary in which  you just summarize the contents of a lecture. When writing a learning diary you go beyond describing the simple facts presented during the lecture. Instead you answer questions such as

  • What have I achieved?
  • How did I learn?
  • How did my skills improve?
  • How did I feel about it?
  • How shall I proceed the next time?
  • How can I use this in the future?

On reflection

Reflection is an integral part of a learning diary. Reflection is something we do every day when we are thinking what went well and what didn't, and why, and what are our feelings about it. After reflecting on something we may choose another way of doing things, or, maybe not. By reflecting it is possible to find out how one thinks, processes information, and learns. Is there a way of doing them more efficiently?

Reflection can be done in a structured way, using a specific model. An easy model to adapt is the Gibbs' model of reflection. Following this model you first describe the context (what has happened), and then proceed to thinking about your feelings and thoughts about it then and now, evaluate (how did things go) and analyse the situation, and finally, decide on future action. A good description of the process can be found here.

In general, the work follows the cycle:

  1. Reflect
  2. Plan
  3. Act
  4. Observe
  5. GOTO 1

For more information try googling "learning by reflection".

Assessment and grading

Each learning diary gets 0--14 points. The grading details are described in the Learning diary assessment rubric.

These will be discussed during the lectures and, in particular, the Evaluation session 1, where the peer assessment will be explained and practiced.

Last modified: Thursday, 5 December 2019, 12:06 PM