Journal Keeping: How to Use Reflective Writing for Effective Learning, Teaching, Professional Insight, and Positive Change

"This is the book I wish that I'd had years ago when I first started experimenting with journals in my classes. I commend it highly, and believe it has the potential to bring journaling into more widespread and effective practice in reflective learning."--Teaching Theology and Religion

"A superb tool for educators who want to be reflective practitioners, and help their students become reflective learners. I hope this fine book will be widely read and used."--Parker J. Palmer, author of The Courage to Teach

"Stevens and Cooper offer multiple possibilities for readers to use journaling for personal growth, fostering their own and others' learning, and managing professional life."--Marcia B. Baxter Magolda, Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership at the Miami University of Ohio

"An impressively complete and well organized exploration of the uses of journal writing. It provides rich backing for John Dewey's key insight, namely that it's not experience that makes us learn, it's reflection on experience."--Peter Elbow, author of Writing with Power

One of the most powerful ways to learn, reflect and make sense of our lives is through journal keeping.

This book presents the potential uses and benefits of journals for personal and professional development--particularly for those in academic life; and demonstrates journals' potential to foster college students' learning, fluency and voice, and creative thinking.

The authors present the background to help readers make an informed decision about the value of journals and to determine whether journals will fit appropriately with their teaching objectives or help manage their personal and professional lives. They offer insights and advice on selecting the format or formats and techniques most appropriate for the reader's purposes.