example of journal assignment

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Common Assignments: Journal Entries

Basics of journal entries, related webinar.

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• Journal Writing

How to Write a Journal Entry

Last Updated: February 21, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Nicolette Tura, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Nicolette Tura is an Empowerment Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a decade of experience creating change in various non-profits then went on to operate her own wellness business for 10 years. Most recently, she worked as a Therapy Associate to a chiropractic neurologist for 15 months working hands-on with patients, helping them heal from neurological disorders like concussions, long covid, migraines, and more. Nicolette guides groups and individuals on transformative meditation journeys and game-changing mindset management workshops and retreats on empowering everyone to keep expanding beyond past conditioning and self-limiting beliefs. Nicolette is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with a Psychology & Mindfulness Major, a NASM certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, and an expert in psychophysiology with experience in nervous system regulation and breath work. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree is Sociology from San Jose State University There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,834,830 times.

Keeping a journal allows you to record what’s happening in your life and to work through your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, you might write a journal for school to help you deepen your understanding of what you’re studying. Fortunately, writing a journal entry is a simple process. First, choose a topic to write about, like what's happening in your life. Then, write an opening for your entry and express your thoughts.

Choosing a Topic

• This is a great way to help you document things you want to remember.
• For instance, you might write about something funny that happened at lunch, scoring the winning goal in a soccer game, or a fight you had with your friend. The events can be positive or negative.

• Let’s say you’re feeling sad because you’re going through a breakup. You could write about how you feel and what you’ll miss about the relationship. This will help you release your feelings so you can start to feel better .

• Write about what you’d like to do this weekend.
• Discuss a place you’d like to visit.
• Pretend that you found a fantasy creature.
• Write about something you want to change.
• Write from the perspective of your favourite book or movie character.

• A summary of a reading or lecture.
• Your analysis of the course material.
• Connections between topics you’ve studied.
• Personal connections you made with the coursework.
• Questions you have about the text or lecture.

Tip: Keep a journal for school focused on studying and analyzing your course material. For instance, you might summarize your coursework, record your reflections on it, and write down questions you have. Leave out how you feel about what you’re reading or studying.

Opening Your Journal Entry

• Your instructor has assigned journaling to help you deepen your understanding of your coursework and to improve your writing skills . Following their instructions will help you best achieve these goals.

• For instance, you might write, “July 24, 2019,” “07-24-19,” or “24 July 2019.”

• For instance, you might write “Good Beans Coffee House,” “School,” “Paris,” or “My bedroom” for your location. For the time, you could write the actual time, such as “12:25 p.m.,” or the time of day, like “Early morning.”

Tip: You usually don’t include a salutation when you’re writing a journal for school.

Expressing Yourself in a Personal Journal

• If mistakes really bother you, it’s okay to go back and correct them after you finish writing your journal entry.

• Turn a memory into a story.
• Record what you dreamed last night.
• Write a list, such as what you did that day or what you’re grateful for.
• Doodle or paste pictures into your journal.
• Record song lyrics or quotes that mean something to you.
• Write your own lyrics or a poem.
• Write in stream of consciousness.

• For instance, you’d write, “I went to lunch with Sari today,” not “Amy had lunch with Sari today.”

• For instance, let’s say you’re on vacation at the beach. You might include details like, “sea spray hitting my face,” “the smell of burning wood from bonfires on the beach,” “the taste of salt on my lips,” “the sun glinting off the surface of the water,” and “the shouts from other beach goers having fun.”

• With journaling, it’s more important to write often than to write a lot.

Drafting an Academic Journal Entry

• If you’re telling a story, try to follow a narrative structure to give it a beginning, middle, and end.
• Read over your journal entry before your submit it to check that it makes sense.

• For handwritten journals, your instructor may require that you simply fill up a page. Make sure you know the exact requirements so you can do your assignment correctly.
• If you’re struggling to think of something to write, make a mind map about the topic to help you brainstorm some new ideas.

• If you’re struggling with your grammar, visit your school’s writing center or ask your instructor about tutoring options. Additionally, you can find online programs that help you with grammar.

• This is especially important if you’re keeping your journal as a graded assignment.
• If you’re typing your journal entries in an online portal, there may be a spellcheck tool you can use. However, you should still proofread the entry to look for other errors.

Journal Entry Template

Community Q&A

• It’s best to write regularly so that journaling becomes a habit. To help you remember, write in your journal at the same time everyday. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• You can write about anything you want, so don’t feel like you can only write about how you feel. You might instead prefer to write about your daily accomplishments or what you enjoyed that day. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 4
• While you can use a paper journal, there are journaling apps and websites you can try. Additionally, it’s okay to use a word processor like Google Docs or Microsoft Word for journaling. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 8

• Since your journal is private, prevent people from reading it by keeping it in a safe place. If it’s a digital journal, you might even password protect it. Thanks Helpful 25 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/title
• ↑ Nicolette Tura, MA. Empowerment Expert. Expert Interview. 23 January 2020.
• ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/
• ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/article/journal-writing
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/journal-writing
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/writing-an-abstract-for-your-research-paper/
• ↑ https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/reflective-journals-and-learning-logs.shtml
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling
• ↑ https://www.bates.edu/biology/files/2010/06/How-to-Write-Guide-v10-2014.pdf
• ↑ https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1081806.pdf
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/style/connectingideas/
• ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/writing-therapy/
• ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/capitalization
• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/proofreading
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-minds/202301/10-good-reasons-to-keep-a-journal

About This Article

To write a journal entry, first find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed. Take a moment to brainstorm what you want to write about. You can journal about anything, like your day, your dreams, work, school, friends, or an upcoming project. If you’re not sure, choose a writing prompt for your entry, like “What was your earliest childhood memory?” or “What is your biggest secret?” Open to a new page in your journal and write the date at the top. Then, start writing. Let your thoughts flow and don’t edit yourself. Write whatever comes to mind. It’s okay to be honest since nobody else will be reading what you write. Draw pictures if specific images come to mind while you’re writing. Try to journal for somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes every day. The more you journal, the easier it will become! Keep reading to learn how to write a journal entry for school! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Module 1: Success Skills

Assignment: writing in college journal entry.

https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI

The video above discusses beliefs students hold about college and demonstrates how those beliefs relate to test performance. Consider how beliefs might also impact a student’s performance on writing assignments.

Develop a 200–400 word journal entry that identifies three beliefs, mentioned in the video or discovered through your own observations, that relate to a student’s ability to write academic essays. Explain how these beliefs might be adjusted through the practice of metacognition to improve writing results.

Worked Example

Journal entry assignments tend to be more flexible than other types of writing assignments in college, and as a result they can be tailored to your own experiences as long as they answer the primary questions asked in the assignment.

One model of a successful entry about this topic can be found below. Feel free to include your own experiences and examples from real life as they pertain to the issue at hand.

Writing in College Journal Entry by Sandy Brown Belief: Learning is fast Related to writing essays, I could see how I could easily fall into this trap of thinking that fast is good. I have such limited time in the day to work on school assignments, that I think that whatever I can manage to get done must be the best possible work that I’m capable of doing. I should allow myself more time, though that’s easier said than done. Even with smaller writing assignments, like this one, if I give myself a day or two to sketch out ideas for what I want to say, and then reflect on it before writing it, I think I’ll do a much better job in the long run. Belief: I’m really good at multi-tasking This one is very related to the “learning is fast” idea. Watching the girl in the video do a million things while she’s studying is just like watching my own kids at night! And I’m pretty guilty of this, as well. If I can set aside a quiet part of my night, and just focus on only one assignment at a time, I think I’ll do a lot better with my writing overall. And I’ll be happier with the results. Belief: Being good at a subject is a matter of inborn talent This is actually not a belief I personally hold. I always loved to read growing up, and I still do read fiction as much as time allows. But working as a business administrator for the past 15 years has shown me that I’m pretty good with numbers and bookkeeping, too, which I wouldn’t have guessed before this job. One of my daughters is very drawn towards English and writing, and another struggles with it. They both seem to feel this is a matter of fate. I’m going to share this video with them, because I think there are ways that my daughter who struggles can be empowered to think that she CAN get better at writing, if she just keeps practicing. (This is also something I’m going to do myself…I’m very out of practice with writing for school!)

• Revision and Adaptation. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Writing Strategies. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.candelalearning.com/lumencollegesuccess/chapter/writing-strategies/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How to Get the Most Out of Studying: Part 1 of 5, Beliefs That Make You Fail... Or Succeed. Authored by : Samford Office of Marketing and Communication. Located at : https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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3.38: Assignment- Writing in College Journal Entry

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https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI

The video above discusses beliefs students hold about college and demonstrates how those beliefs relate to test performance. Consider how beliefs might also impact a student’s performance on writing assignments.

Develop a 200-400 word journal entry that identifies three beliefs, mentioned in the video or discovered through your own observations, that relate to a student’s ability to write academic essays. Explain how these beliefs might be adjusted through the practice of metacognition to improve writing results.

Worked Example

Journal entry assignments tend to be more flexible than other types of writing assignments in college, and as a result they can be tailored to your own experiences as long as they answer the primary questions asked in the assignment.

One model of a successful entry about this topic can be found below. Feel free to include your own experiences and examples from real life as they pertain to the issue at hand.

Writing in College Journal Entry

by Sandy Brown

Belief: Learning is fast

Related to writing essays, I could see how I could easily fall into this trap of thinking that fast is good. I have such limited time in the day to work on school assignments, that I think that whatever I can manage to get done must be the best possible work that I’m capable of doing. I should allow myself more time, though that’s easier said than done. Even with smaller writing assignments, like this one, if I give myself a day or two to sketch out ideas for what I want to say, and then reflect on it before writing it, I think I’ll do a much better job in the long run.

Belief: I’m really good at multi-tasking

This one is very related to the “learning is fast” idea. Watching the girl in the video do a million things while she’s studying is just like watching my own kids at night! And I’m pretty guilty of this, as well. If I can set aside a quiet part of my night, and just focus on only one assignment at a time, I think I’ll do a lot better with my writing overall. And I’ll be happier with the results.

Belief: Being good at a subject is a matter of inborn talent

This is actually not a belief I personally hold. I always loved to read growing up, and I still do read fiction as much as time allows. But working as a business administrator for the past 15 years has shown me that I’m pretty good with numbers and bookkeeping, too, which I wouldn’t have guessed before this job.

One of my daughters is very drawn towards English and writing, and another struggles with it. They both seem to feel this is a matter of fate. I’m going to share this video with them, because I think there are ways that my daughter who struggles can be empowered to think that she CAN get better at writing, if she just keeps practicing. (This is also something I’m going to do myself…I’m very out of practice with writing for school!)

• Revision and Adaptation. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Writing Strategies. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.candelalearning.com/lumencollegesuccess/chapter/writing-strategies/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How to Get the Most Out of Studying: Part 1 of 5, Beliefs That Make You Fail... Or Succeed. Authored by : Samford Office of Marketing and Communication. Located at : https://youtu.be/RH95h36NChI . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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How to Review a Journal Article

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For many kinds of assignments, like a  literature review , you may be asked to offer a critique or review of a journal article. This is an opportunity for you as a scholar to offer your  qualified opinion  and  evaluation  of how another scholar has composed their article, argument, and research. That means you will be expected to go beyond a simple  summary  of the article and evaluate it on a deeper level. As a college student, this might sound intimidating. However, as you engage with the research process, you are becoming immersed in a particular topic, and your insights about the way that topic is presented are valuable and can contribute to the overall conversation surrounding your topic.

IMPORTANT NOTE!!

Some disciplines, like Criminal Justice, may only want you to summarize the article without including your opinion or evaluation. If your assignment is to summarize the article only, please see our literature review handout.

Before getting started on the critique, it is important to review the article thoroughly and critically. To do this, we recommend take notes,  annotating , and reading the article several times before critiquing. As you read, be sure to note important items like the thesis, purpose, research questions, hypotheses, methods, evidence, key findings, major conclusions, tone, and publication information. Depending on your writing context, some of these items may not be applicable.

Questions to Consider

To evaluate a source, consider some of the following questions. They are broken down into different categories, but answering these questions will help you consider what areas to examine. With each category, we recommend identifying the strengths and weaknesses in each since that is a critical part of evaluation.

Evaluating Purpose and Argument

• How well is the purpose made clear in the introduction through background/context and thesis?
• How well does the abstract represent and summarize the article’s major points and argument?
• How well does the objective of the experiment or of the observation fill a need for the field?
• How well is the argument/purpose articulated and discussed throughout the body of the text?
• How well does the discussion maintain cohesion?

Evaluating the Presentation/Organization of Information

• How appropriate and clear is the title of the article?
• Where could the author have benefited from expanding, condensing, or omitting ideas?
• How clear are the author’s statements? Challenge ambiguous statements.
• What underlying assumptions does the author have, and how does this affect the credibility or clarity of their article?
• How objective is the author in his or her discussion of the topic?
• How well does the organization fit the article’s purpose and articulate key goals?

Evaluating Methods

• How appropriate are the study design and methods for the purposes of the study?
• How detailed are the methods being described? Is the author leaving out important steps or considerations?
• Have the procedures been presented in enough detail to enable the reader to duplicate them?

Evaluating Data

• Scan and spot-check calculations. Are the statistical methods appropriate?
• Do you find any content repeated or duplicated?
• How many errors of fact and interpretation does the author include? (You can check on this by looking up the references the author cites).
• What pertinent literature has the author cited, and have they used this literature appropriately?

Following, we have an example of a summary and an evaluation of a research article. Note that in most literature review contexts, the summary and evaluation would be much shorter. This extended example shows the different ways a student can critique and write about an article.

Chik, A. (2012). Digital gameplay for autonomous foreign language learning: Gamers’ and language teachers’ perspectives. In H. Reinders (ed.),  Digital games in language learning and teaching  (pp. 95-114). Eastbourne, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Be sure to include the full citation either in a reference page or near your evaluation if writing an  annotated bibliography .

In Chik’s article “Digital Gameplay for Autonomous Foreign Language Learning: Gamers’ and Teachers’ Perspectives”, she explores the ways in which “digital gamers manage gaming and gaming-related activities to assume autonomy in their foreign language learning,” (96) which is presented in contrast to how teachers view the “pedagogical potential” of gaming. The research was described as an “umbrella project” consisting of two parts. The first part examined 34 language teachers’ perspectives who had limited experience with gaming (only five stated they played games regularly) (99). Their data was recorded through a survey, class discussion, and a seven-day gaming trial done by six teachers who recorded their reflections through personal blog posts. The second part explored undergraduate gaming habits of ten Hong Kong students who were regular gamers. Their habits were recorded through language learning histories, videotaped gaming sessions, blog entries of gaming practices, group discussion sessions, stimulated recall sessions on gaming videos, interviews with other gamers, and posts from online discussion forums. The research shows that while students recognize the educational potential of games and have seen benefits of it in their lives, the instructors overall do not see the positive impacts of gaming on foreign language learning.

The summary includes the article’s purpose, methods, results, discussion, and citations when necessary.

This article did a good job representing the undergraduate gamers’ voices through extended quotes and stories. Particularly for the data collection of the undergraduate gamers, there were many opportunities for an in-depth examination of their gaming practices and histories. However, the representation of the teachers in this study was very uneven when compared to the students. Not only were teachers labeled as numbers while the students picked out their own pseudonyms, but also when viewing the data collection, the undergraduate students were more closely examined in comparison to the teachers in the study. While the students have fifteen extended quotes describing their experiences in their research section, the teachers only have two of these instances in their section, which shows just how imbalanced the study is when presenting instructor voices.

Some research methods, like the recorded gaming sessions, were only used with students whereas teachers were only asked to blog about their gaming experiences. This creates a richer narrative for the students while also failing to give instructors the chance to have more nuanced perspectives. This lack of nuance also stems from the emphasis of the non-gamer teachers over the gamer teachers. The non-gamer teachers’ perspectives provide a stark contrast to the undergraduate gamer experiences and fits neatly with the narrative of teachers not valuing gaming as an educational tool. However, the study mentioned five teachers that were regular gamers whose perspectives are left to a short section at the end of the presentation of the teachers’ results. This was an opportunity to give the teacher group a more complex story, and the opportunity was entirely missed.

Additionally, the context of this study was not entirely clear. The instructors were recruited through a master’s level course, but the content of the course and the institution’s background is not discussed. Understanding this context helps us understand the course’s purpose(s) and how those purposes may have influenced the ways in which these teachers interpreted and saw games. It was also unclear how Chik was connected to this masters’ class and to the students. Why these particular teachers and students were recruited was not explicitly defined and also has the potential to skew results in a particular direction.

Overall, I was inclined to agree with the idea that students can benefit from language acquisition through gaming while instructors may not see the instructional value, but I believe the way the research was conducted and portrayed in this article made it very difficult to support Chik’s specific findings.

Some professors like you to begin an evaluation with something positive but isn’t always necessary.

The evaluation is clearly organized and uses transitional phrases when moving to a new topic.

This evaluation includes a summative statement that gives the overall impression of the article at the end, but this can also be placed at the beginning of the evaluation.

This evaluation mainly discusses the representation of data and methods. However, other areas, like organization, are open to critique.

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Guide Contributors

Double Entry Journal Assignment Example

This journal assignment is unique in its format. It suggests students divide their papers into two columns. The first column is for summary-oriented material such as key phrases, main ideas, important characters etc. The student then prints this information out and writes (in pencil or pen) reactions to the first column's information. This ‘dialectical' method, as the instructions call it, encourages students to spend more time with thinking critically about the text's ideas and concepts. Students can use this information for longer essays or class discussions.

E238 Spring 2009

T h e   D o u b l e – E n t r y   J o u r n a l

A double-entry journal takes the form of two vertical columns of text, one of which comments on the other.  First, you’ll have to create a Word document in a specific format:

• Create a new document and click on “File”
• Click on “Page Setup…” (For Word 2007: “Page Layout” > “Margins” > “Custom Margins”)
• Change the right margin to 3.5”
• Save document as “dejournal” or “E238journal” (etc.) so that you can retrieve this document in the future instead of having to reformat again and again

Your journal will place critical reading alongside close reading. In the left-hand column, type a roughly one-page response that addresses the text’s main ideas, and key features such as important evidence. When you’re through, print this column of ideas and read them over, recording your own questions and reactions in the right-hand column with a pen or pencil. Pretend you’re writing a large paper, and you want to keep detailed notes so you can understand your ideas later. In fact, these notes are often very useful for larger projects you’ll do later.

This process is a slow-motion version of what your mind does all the time as it interacts with itself in a dialectic fashion, a word derived from the Greek for “art of debate.” Ann Berthoff writes in The Making of Meaning : “The reason for the double-entry format is that it provides a way for the student to conduct that ‘continuing audit of meaning’ that is at the heart of learning to read and write critically.” With the double-entry journal, you are creating a written record of your internal reading “debate” where you’ll make connections between the texts we read and your own experiences and ideas. By writing about your writing, you’ll be thinking about your thinking, and as a result you’ll become a stronger, more deliberate writer and thinker. 

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17.2: How can student journals be used for assessment?

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• Jennfer Kidd, Jamie Kaufman, Peter Baker, Patrick O'Shea, Dwight Allen, & Old Dominion U students
• Old Dominion University

by Amy B. Williams

Learning Objectives

• Be able to comprehend the important role that journals have in the classroom.
• Understand how journals can be used as an assessment method.
• Comprehend examples of using journals for language, math and science.

Introduction

Who ever said assessment wasn't fun? That is old news as journals are invading the classrooms! Journals have become a wonderful non-traditional assessment tool that falls under the category of personal communication. Teachers are understanding the role that journals have in the classroom and the benefits they provide for students. Journals aren't just for writing your deepest and darkest secrets while being kept hidden under your mattress! Throughout this article you will understand that the purpose of a journal is to allow students to have a voice. A voice that reflects their understanding and knowledge on a subject instead of just reiterating another person's ideas that they have memorized word-for-word. It is an informal style of writing that results in a student thinking for themselves.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Journals!

All the interest in journals is due to the fact that this type of personal communication encourages students to look at subjects and facts that they may have been intimidated by so the student feels more adventurous and willing to explore their ideas in writing (White, 2008). Journals aren't just for writing either; they can also involve drawing, painting and role-playing (Miami Museum of Science, 2008). If journaling is done correctly it can provide the following information:

• "Help students pinpoint what they know and don't know.
• Connect previous knowledge with what the student is currently studying.
• Summarize what the student understands and their knowledge on a topic.
• Help students understand important questions to ask.
• Help student keep his or her thoughts more organized.
• Support an interdisciplinay approach to education.
• Help student see in a more visual approach to learning.
• Allow student to take a tentative idea and make it more permanent" (Burchfield, 2005).

Students with a journal generally have clearer thoughts and an increased ability to explain a concept while the teacher can truly grasp the type of learner that student really is.

Using Journals In Math

This is a fantastic website for teachers to use journals in Math class. You can even click on a PDF of a Math Journal! This is a must see!

(Geocities.com, 2008)

Journal: A Teacher's Best Friend

The timing of a journal assignment includes different options with before, during, or after a lesson. There are two general types of journals in a classroom: 1. A journal that students are given very little direction on and the student writes down their thoughts, feelings and ideas, 2. A journal where the student is given a prompt or a specific topic to write on that has boundaries and guidelines needed for accuracy (Miami Museum of Science, 2008). Some teachers assign journal writing without grades. If this is the case, then the teacher will be more apt to correct grammar and spelling and make comments and appropriate praise. Journals also can be used for more class discussion and participation. If a student writes their ideas and understandings down on paper, then greater class discussion results. According to Hillocks, if a teacher uses journals in the classroom it allows that teacher to not only look through a window into how the student is thinking and learning, but how they learn. In other words, a journal shows if a student is struggling with a subject, their strengths and weaknesses, and if there are any misconceptions involved in learning.

According to Burchfied, Journals also answer specific questions for a teacher:

• Can the student organize information?
• Can the student explain a specific concept?
• Does the student use communication skills correctly to communicate an idea?
• Is the student confident in his or her abilities?
• What is the student feeling?
• Is the student's response coherent and well-structured (Burchfield, et al, 200

To give credit to journals for an assessment method is an understatement. It is obvious that journals provide a deeper depth and understanding into a student, which can only benefit teachers. Journals can be as simple as loose leaf papers in a folder, a spiral notebook labeled Journal, or store bought journals.

To Grade Or Not To Grade...

Grades are not necessary in journaling, but it is suggested to follow a specific rubric if assigning a grade. If grades are not given on a specific assignment, here are some great ideas on assessing a student's journal (Burchfield, et al., 2005):

• Because some of the writing is informal it is best to focus on content rather than mechanics.
• Be positive, encouraging and accepting of the student's writing.
• Single out one or two things to comment on and don't undertake the entire journal.
• Be specific when you comment on a specific problem.
• When appropriate, have students edit one another's journal.
• Ask students to read aloud, when appropriate, so the classroom becomes more conducive to sharing and confidence levels increase.
• After students have completed three journal entries, ask them to choose their best entry, revise it and have other students begin peer
• Allow for more revisions after peer editing and grading then post it on a classroom blog or website.

Again, grading isn't always a definite with journals and should be left up to the discretion of the teacher.

Examples of Journal Assignments: Don't Enter The Classroom Without Them!

Different Types of Journals

Daily Journals

• My most embarrassing moment...
• What I would like to change about school...
• My best friend is...
• The best thing that ever happened to me...
• The saddest thing that ever happened to me...
• What I want to be when I grow up...
• If I could change the world I would...

Specific Subject Prompts

• Does math scare you?
• Design two mathematical bumper stickers--one funny and one serious.
• If I were better at math, I would...
• If math could be a color (shape or sound) it would be...because...
• My best kept secret about math is...
• What kind of math figure are you? (Circle, square, triangle, parallelogram, etc.) Why?
• Record in journal your personal thoughts and feelings after reading "The Diary of Anne Frank." (or any book the student has read)
• What does Anne's diary tell us about her? (or any main character of a book)
• If you could talk to Anne, what would you ask her? (or any author)
• Give a different ending to the book you just finished.
• What if you were the main character?
• Explain how you feel the character was like in the book.
• Draw a picture of a scene from the book and write a sentence underneath.
• Across the top of your journal write WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHY and WHEN...answer all these questions.
• Pick a President and write a letter to them about what you wish would be different and why?
• If you could have dinner with any past or present famous person who would it be and why?
• Student writes a paragraph using three vocabulary words written on the board.
• Write four Jeopardy style questions based on the lesson you were just taught.

(Teachervision.com, 2007)

• Have students record any science experiment results over a period of time.
• Record the amount of snowfall over a 2 week period, along with the temperature outside at time of snowfall and the amount of snow.
• Record in journal the stages of a classroom bean seedling during growth stages.
• Record which cup of water (1 hot, 1 cold and 1 room temp)freezes first and how long it took.

Final Thoughts

Journals are like a telescope into a student's mind. This type of personal communication allows students to express what they are feeling about specific topics. It is taking learning beyond the basics to see things as they really are and not just skimming the surface. Teachers are in the classroom for a reason, which is to impact the student academically, socially and emotionally. A journal is simply a collection of a student's feelings, ideas and thoughts put down in black and white. Incorporating journals into the classroom takes commitment and organization, but the payoff is an exciting and motivating way for students to learn.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

1. Journals are an assessment method that fall under the category:

a. Selected response

b. Extended written response

c. Performance assessment

d. Personal communication

2. If a journal is used correctly in the classroom, it can:

a. Connect the student's previous knowledge to what they are currently learning.

b. Tell a teacher the student deserves an A or F.

c. Inform the teacher if the student needs a different seating arrangement.

d. Allow the student to ignore the teacher's lesson.

3. The benefit of a journal for a teacher is:

a. One less thing to grade in an overwhelming job.

b. Tells the teacher if the student can explain a specific topic.

c. It helps the classroom seem less cluttered.

d. Allows the teacher to learn more about the student except for how he or she is feeling.

4. Stella has just completed an informal journal assignment for language in Mrs. Williams's classroom. Mrs. Williams is now ready to assess Stella's journal. What is the best method to consider?

a. It is best to focus on Stella's content rather than the mechanics of her journal.

b. Because it is an informal journal assignment, Stella should receive a specific grade.

c. Not even grade Stella's journal because it would focus on her character and not her capability.

d. Never asses a journal because it is to be used as a "filler" assignment when there is free time.

5. Mrs. Williams has just assigned a journal assignment after all the students read "The Diary of Anne Frank." She wants to compare and assess what the students predicted the diary meant to Anne Frank before they read the book and what they feel it meant to her after they finished the book. Why would Mrs. Williams be assessing this?

a. She can't think of another prompt for a journal topic.

b. The students seem like they are losing interest and this is a great way to motivate them.

c. She wants to assess if the students have fully grasped the concept of the diary and how it become a source of support for Anne Frank.

d. She knows Anne Frank is covered on the VA SOL and she feels this would be a good way to teach the students.

Burchfield, Kimberly, Jorgensen, Patricia, R., McDowell, Kimberly, G., and Rahn, Jim. (n.d). Writing In The Mathematics Curriculum. Retrieved on July 10, 2008 from www.woodrow.org/teachers/math/institutes/1993/37burc.html

Forms of Alternative Assessment. (2008). Miami Museum of Science-Alternative Assessment Definitions. Retrieved on July 8, 2008, from www.miamisci.org/ph/lpdefine.html

Geocities.com (2008) Writing In Mathematics-Math Students Know All The Angles. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from www.geocities.com/kaferico/writemat.htm?200812

Hillocks, George, The Testing Trap: How State Writing Assessment Control Learning. 2002. London: Teachers College Press.

Teachervision.com (2007). Journaling Tips, Strengths, Strategies, & Topics. Retrieved July 5, 2008, from Http://www.teachervision.fen.com/writing/teaching-methods/6382.html

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Examples of Reflective Writing

Types of reflective writing assignments.

A journal  requires you to write weekly entries throughout a semester. May require you to base your reflection on course content.

A learning diary is similar to a journal, but may require group participation. The diary then becomes a place for you to communicate in writing with other group members.

A logbook is often used in disciplines based on experimental work, such as science. You note down or 'log' what you have done. A log gives you an accurate record of a process and helps you reflect on past actions and make better decisions for future actions.

A reflective note is often used in law. A reflective note encourages you to think about your personal reaction to a legal issue raised in a course.

An essay diary  can take the form of an annotated bibliography (where you examine sources of evidence you might include in your essay) and a critique (where you reflect on your own writing and research processes).

a peer review  usually involves students showing their work to their peers for feedback.

A self-assessment task  requires you to comment on your own work.

Some examples of reflective writing

Social science fieldwork report (methods section), engineering design report, learning journal (weekly reflection).

Brookfield, S 1987, Developing critical thinkers: challenging adults to explore alternative ways of thinking and acting , Open University Press, Milton Keynes.

Mezirow, J 1990, Fostering critical reflection in adulthood: a guide to transformative and emancipatory learning , Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

Schön, DA 1987, Educating the reflective practitioner , Jossey-Bass. San Francisco.

We thank the students who permitted us to feature examples of their writing.

Prepared by Academic Skills, UNSW. This guide may be distributed or adapted for educational purposes. Full and proper acknowledgement is required. 

Essay and assignment writing guide

• Essay writing basics
• Essay and assignment planning
• Answering assignment questions
• Editing checklist
• Writing a critical review
• Annotated bibliography
• How do I write reflectively?
• Examples of reflective writing
• ^ More support

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How to Write a Reflective Journal with Tips and Examples

• How To Create a Reflective Journal

One of the most commonly used and therapeutic ways to utilize your journal is to reflect upon experiences you deem profound or that had an impact on your life. Getting it all down on paper can really give you a completely different perspective on things. Writing in your journal can be an incredibly useful tool to help you better understand yourself and the world you operate in. Reflective learning journals are also a great way to find creative solutions to difficult problems.

So, what exactly is a Reflective Journal?

A reflective journal (aka a reflective diary) is the perfect place to jot down some of life's biggest thoughts. In a reflective journal, you can write about a positive or negative event that you experienced, what it means or meant to you, and what you may have learned from that experience.

A well-written journal can be an important tool. As with any tool, to get the most benefits, you need practice. This could mean forcing yourself to write, at first, but after a while, it will become like second nature. Write down your entry as soon as possible after the event. This way, the details will still be fresh in your mind, which will help later in your analysis.

5 Reasons To Write a Reflective Journal

Reflective journals are most often used to record detailed descriptions of certain aspects of an event or thought. For example, who was there, what was the purpose of the event, what do you think about it, how does it make you feel, etc. Write down everything, even if you don't have a clear idea of how this information will be helpful. 

Here are some of the most common reasons why people find reflective journals so useful:

• To make sense of things that happened. What you write should sound as if you are describing the details to someone who wasn't there. Be as descriptive as possible. Just the act of writing down the details of what happened may give you perspective that you may not have otherwise considered had you just continued to think about it.
• To speculate as to why something is the way it is.  Your views can come from your own common sense, or from something you have heard at a lecture or read in a book. Either way, speculating why something is the way it is can be a very useful exercise in reasoning.
• To align future actions with your reflected values and experiences.  After positing your interpretation, continue to observe the subject of your speculation to decide whether you want to stick to your original views, or make changes. That is one of the great things about an online journal--you can make changes to your entries at any time.
• To get thoughts and ideas out of your head.  Writing down your thoughts can help relieve pressure or help resolve problems. It will also help you focus the task at hand.
• To share your thoughts and ideas with others.  Getting opinions from others about what you wrote can help you clarify your feelings for a deeper understanding of yourself.

The Reflective Journal Thought Process

When writing a reflective journal, you are simply documenting something that has happened in your life that requires you to make a change or consider the impact of your decision. Your journal, in many ways, is a dialogue that you are having with yourself. You are forcing your brain to think critically about something and to produce written words accordingly.

The worst thing you can do to a creative flow is to start inputting criticism before your thought is complete. Allow yourself the time to make a mistake and keep going. Who cares if you didn't phrase that exactly how you should have or you didn't spell that word right? Those things just aren't important here. Find whatever works for you.

4 Tips To Get Your Reflective Journaling Started

Writing a reflective journal requires not only that you describe a learning experience, but also that you analyze the topics covered and articulate your feelings and opinions about the subject matter. There is no set structure for writing a reflective journal, as the diary is meant for your own use. The writing process is entirely free-form. However, there are certain guidelines to follow that will make you more successful at this. Here are some basic tips at how to write a reflective journal. 

1. Always Keep the Journal Nearby

The first step in learning how to write a reflective journal is as simple as being prepared to jot down your thoughts and opinions on something you are learning anytime the mood strikes. For example, if you have an insightful observation about a book you're reading while on the bus, it pays to have your journal with you. Penzu's free diary software  come in handy in such a situation, as online and mobile entries can be made in your Penzu journal from any location.

2. Make Regular Entries

While you can write in whatever form and style you please, it's important to write regular entries, even if a moment of inspiration doesn't arise. This ensures you are reviewing content and actively thinking about what you have learned. This will develop your writing and critical thinking skills while keeping you organized. In the end, this should enable you to better understand specific topics you are studying.

3. Participate, Observe, Summarize and Contemplate

While reflecting is the main part of keeping a reflective diary, it's also vital that you first participate in a learning activity, make observations and summarize facts and experiences. For example, if you are writing a lab for science class, be sure to first cover what you did and what the goal and outcome of the experiment was prior to elaborating on your ideas and opinions of what was discovered. Reflective journaling is first about participating and observing before writing.

4. Review Regularly

Take time to read over previous journal entries and see how new experiences, additional knowledge and time have altered how you think and feel about the material you've been analyzing and contemplating. This will make the journal more valuable to you personally, as it will shed light on how you've grown. 

Reflective Journal Topic Examples

To create a reflective journal that really provides detail on your overall perspective on a variety of different situations, consider using one of the prompts below to help with your thought process.

• Write about which relationships have the most meaning to you and why. Include ways you can grow to help maintain these close relationships and get rid of the toxic relationships currently in your life.
• Write about what you are learning at school or in college.
• Write about someone in your life who has experienced a positive change and how you can learn from their situation.
• Write about what you want out of the next five years of your life and what you can do to achieve these goals.

If you’re looking for more topic examples, check out these great reflective journal prompts

Reflective Journal Example

The passage below is a sample reflective diary entry about losing a job:

“This week I lost my job because my employer thought I was not consistent in my work. At first I was a little upset, because I'm always on time, and I complete what I can by the end of the day. I couldn't figure out what she meant by stating that I wasn't consistent in my work. After thinking about the situation, I realized that I can only complete the work assigned to the best of my ability. What she doesn't realize is that the problem started because I constantly received incomplete reports. Whoever ends up with my former job will have the same issues if that problem isn't addressed first. However, knowing that I did what I could will allow me to continue to move forward with a positive outlook for the future.

A reflective journal is a personal account of an educational experience that offers a variety of benefits, from enhancing your writing skills and helping you retain information to allowing you to express your thoughts on new ideas and theories.

When keeping a reflective journal, it's important that you have privacy and convenience. Penzu's online account and mobile platform offer secure access and the ability to write entries from anywhere, and your diary will never get lost or stolen.

There's no time like the present - start your free online journal today!

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How to Write a TOK Journal Assignment: The Complete Guide

A Theory of Knowledge Journal Assignment is a type of writing exercise that encourages students to consider and discuss different philosophical topics. It is essentially an essay, however, the aim is not just to analyse an issue from an academic standpoint, but to also make personal connections to the topic at hand. The purpose of the TOK Journal Assignment is to encourage students to think critically about their own beliefs, thoughts, and ideas, as well as those of the wider society.

In order to complete a successful TOK Journal Assignment, it is important for students to have an understanding of the key concepts associated with the course. Additionally, by having an appreciation of the different forms of evidence available, students will be able to effectively build up an argument, or counterargument, and reach conclusive assessments.

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Understanding Key Terms & Concepts in a TOK Journal Assignment

When writing a TOK journal assignment, there are several key terms and concepts that it is important to understand. In this section of the guide, we will cover three essential concepts in greater detail: Theory of Knowledge, Epistemology, and Ontology.

Theory of Knowledge

Theory of Knowledge  is an area of study that examines the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired and used. It seeks to explore questions such as: What can be known? How do we know if something is true? What is the difference between fact and opinion? Answering these questions helps us to form our own opinions about the world, which can then inform our decisions.

Epistemology

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with knowledge. Specifically, epistemology is concerned with the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired and used. It is the study of what makes certain beliefs or statements true and how those beliefs can be justified.

Ontology is the branch of philosophy that focuses on the nature of being. It deals with questions such as: What is a thing? What properties does it have? How do different things relate to each other? Ontology is concerned not only with the nature of existence, but also with the nature of relationships between different entities.

Now that we have a better understanding of the key terms and concepts related to TOK journal assignments, let’s move on to the next section of the guide, which covers getting started.

Getting Started: Brainstorm Ideas

Writing a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) journal assignment can be an exciting experience. The best way to get started is to brainstorm what ideas you have for your assignment. There are many different ways you can go about doing this – it’s all about finding the approach that works best for you.

One popular method is to create a mind map. This exercise consists of drawing out different concepts related to the topic and connecting them together. By visually representing the ideas, you can easily identify which topics can be explored further in your assignment. It also helps to make note of any questions or uncertainties you may have as you go along.

Another useful technique is free-writing. This involves writing down whatever comes to your mind, without any editing or judgement. It can help you identify potential ideas and organize your thoughts in a more concrete way. Just try to let your ideas flow freely and don’t worry about making mistakes – it’s a great way to begin honing in on the focus of your assignment.

Finally, it is important to consult relevant sources such as books, journals, magazines and online resources. Doing this will give you a clearer idea of what you might include in your assignment. It is best to collect a wide variety of sources so that you are not reliant on just one type of information.

Overall, taking time to brainstorm ideas for your TOK journal assignment is important, as it allows you to properly plan out your approach and get a better understanding of the topics at hand.

Step-by-Step: Structuring the TOK Journal Assignment

It can be intimidating to start a complex journal assignment. The good news is that having a clear and organized plan of attack can help you succeed. Break down the process of structuring your TOK Journal Assignment into several manageable steps and you’ll be on your way to crafting a great piece of work.

The first step is to consider the requirements of the assignment. Make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you and don’t forget to check any relevant grading criteria. Once you have a good grasp of the task at hand, it’s time to start planning.

Start by analyzing the sources of information that you will use in your journal assignment. Collect as many different sources as possible, but be careful to ensure that they are appropriate and relevant to the topic.

Once you have collected the necessary sources, break down the assignment into smaller parts. Outline the main sections of your journal assignment and the arguments you plan to make. This is a great way to keep the ideas in your head organized and will make writing much easier later on.

Next you should create a timeline for completing the assignment. Estimate how long each section will take you to complete and allocate a set amount of time for each part. This will make it easier to keep track of your progress as you work.

Finally, get started! Write the first draft of your journal assignment and then revise, edit, and make changes as needed. Be sure to proofread your work and double check that you have included all the necessary elements. Following these steps will help you structure a well-thought-out, comprehensive TOK Journal Assignment.

Analyzing Sources and Forms of Evidence

One of the most important parts of completing a TOK Journal Assignment is analyzing sources and forms of evidence. In order to make an effective argument and support your claims, it is essential that students gather quality evidence from reliable sources. To do this, students must be able to accurately gauge the relevance and strength of evidence to their argument.

When examining evidence, it is important to remember to be critical. Ask yourself questions such as “How does this evidence support my argument?”, “Does it fit with the overall theme of my paper?” and “What is the source of this evidence?” Other questions might include “Are there any biases in this source?” and “How credible is this source?”. By asking these questions, you can ensure that the evidence gathered is appropriate and supportive of your argument.

Forms of evidence range from primary sources (such as documents, emails, or recordings) to secondary sources (such as news articles, books, or websites). It is important to be aware of the difference between these two sources. Primary sources are often more reliable as they are directly related to the topic at hand. However, secondary sources can also be useful, provided that they are from reliable sources and are up-to-date.

As you analyze different sources of evidence, remember to take notes for yourself. This will help you when it comes to referencing your sources later on and can also help remind you of why the evidence was relevant to your argument. Finally, don’t be afraid to reject evidence which does not serve your purpose. Being selective with your sources will help to strengthen your overall argument.

Writing and editing can be a daunting task. It is important to take your time and go through the process of writing and editing to ensure you are producing an effective piece of writing. Here are some tips on creating an effective piece of writing:

It is important to plan ahead when writing your TOK Journal Assignment. Outline all the points that you want to make, and break your work down into smaller chunks. Creating an outline will help you stay organized, and will allow you to focus on each part of your journal one at a time.

Once you have created an outline, it is time to start drafting. When drafting, keep the following tips in mind:

• Be concise – make sure every sentence counts.
• Use active voice.
• Do not repeat the same point multiple times.
• Stay focused on the main topic – avoid digressions.

Once you have finished your first draft, it is time to start editing. Editing is a very important part of the writing process, as it allows you to improve any errors or mistakes you may have made in your first draft. There are many types of editing, such as grammar and spelling checking, content checking, and formatting.

The last step in creating an effective piece of writing is to revise your work. Revising allows you to make any changes or additions needed to improve the overall quality of your journal. Take your time and read over your work multiple times. Pay close attention to any mistakes or areas that need improvement, and make sure to address them before submitting your assignment.

By taking the time to plan, draft, edit, and revise your TOK Journal Assignment, you will be able to create an effective piece of writing. Following these simple steps will help you produce a well-written, organized journal that meets the expectations of the assignment.

Tips for Referencing

When writing a TOK journal assignment, it is important to make sure that you appropriately credit any sources that you used. This gives credibility to your work and also allows readers to confirm the accuracy of your statements by reading the source material. To ensure that your paper has correct referencing, there are several tools and methods available to you.

In-Text Citations

The most common way to include references within the text itself is to use in-text citations. Depending on the style guide you are required to use, this will involve including either the author’s name or the source title in parentheses after the statement you are referencing. For example, if you are referencing a book by John Smith, you might include “(Smith, 2020)” at the end of the sentence.

Footnotes & Endnotes

Another way to include references in your work is through the use of footnotes or endnotes. These are numerical or alphabetic references that appear at the bottom of the page (footnotes) or at the end of the document (endnotes). Footnotes and endnotes provide more space to include additional information such as the source title, author’s name, and year published.

Bibliographies & Works Cited

Finally, a bibliography (or works cited page) provides a comprehensive list of all of the sources that have been used in the assignment. This list should include the relevant information such as author’s name, title, publication date, and publisher. As such, it is important to ensure that all of the sources used in your paper are also included in the bibliography.

By following these tips and using the correct referencing tools, you can ensure that your TOK journal assignment is properly credited and the sources used are identified. You will also gain the respect of your peers and professors and demonstrate your ability to reference material correctly.

Definition & Explanation of a Knowledge Question

A knowledge question is a statement that is used to explore and answer questions related to the field of “theory of knowledge” (TOK). This concept serves as the foundation for exploring a variety of topics, such as the nature of truth, reality, beliefs, and knowledge. A knowledge question should be specific, clear and focused in order to help you answer the question. The goal is to come up with an argument or point of view based on evidence and logical reasoning.

When formulating a knowledge question, it’s important to think about the context surrounding your topic. For example, when discussing the nature of knowledge, consider what kind of knowledge you are talking about, such as scientific knowledge, spiritual knowledge, or knowledge of a particular culture. Consider the different perspectives surrounding the issue and how those could affect your argument.

In addition, think about the implications of your knowledge question. Ask yourself what the answer to your question could mean and how it relates to the bigger picture. Will it improve our understanding of the world? Will it provide us with new insights? These are all things to consider when formulating a knowledge question.

Finally, it’s important to be mindful of the language you use when expressing your knowledge question. Avoid using vague language and try to be as precise and clear as possible. By doing this, you can ensure that your knowledge question is properly understood and will help you to pursue an insightful exploration of the issue.

In conclusion, formulating a clear and concise knowledge question is essential for exploring TOK topics. With a well-defined question, you can ensure that your research is focused, relevant and meaningful. It will help you to make an informed argument and provide you with valuable insights into the nature of knowledge.

Developing an Argument

When it comes to writing a TOK Journal Assignment, constructing an argument is essential. An argument is your way of making a claim using evidence. To do this effectively, you need to consider the sources you use and make sure they are relevant and appropriate. You also need to be able to identify any counter-arguments and provide rebuttal.

It’s important to first identify your topic, then research and reflect on the available information. When forming an argument, start by gathering evidence or facts to support your position. Make sure that your evidence is factual, logical, and relevant to your argument. You should also be able to provide counter-arguments and explain why your point of view is more valid.

Once you have collected your evidence, you can start organizing the structure of your argument. A strong argument follows a logical flow, beginning with a clear statement of your position and following it up with supporting evidence. After presenting your evidence, provide an explanation of why your argument is valid. Finally, conclude your argument by summarizing your position and the evidence you provided.

When constructing an argument for your TOK Journal Assignment, the goal is to be as convincing as possible. This means creating a well-structured and factually accurate argument that will stand up to scrutiny. Be sure to back up all of your statements with evidence and remain impartial in your analysis, critiquing all arguments fairly and thoroughly.

Tips for Examining Counter-Arguments: Strategies for Critiquing Different Arguments

A great way to strengthen your own arguments is by examining counter-arguments. It allows you to develop your own opinions while also gaining insight into why they differ from yours. Critiquing counter-arguments can be a beneficial way to assess how well-rounded your argument is and how much you know about the topic.

When critiquing someone else’s argument, it is helpful to start by summarizing the main points of the argument. This allows you to gain an understanding of what the other person is trying to say. Once you have done this, you can then assess the strengths and weaknesses of the counter-argument.

It is important to be objective when assessing a counter-argument. Consider the evidence used in the argument. Does it make sense? Is it accurate? Is it supported by reliable sources? It is also important to question any assumptions behind the argument. Is the argument based on personal experience or can it be backed up with facts?

Another way to critique a counter-argument is to evaluate its logic. Does the argument present a clear and convincing argument? Does the argument lead to a logical conclusion? If not, why not?

Finally, when critiquing a counter-argument, it is important to consider its implications. What would be the outcome if the counter-argument was accepted? Would there be any long-term consequences? By critiquing counter-arguments, you can become more aware of the complexities of the issue and come to a more informed opinion.

Reflection & Evaluation: Tips for Assessing Your Own Work

When it comes to TOK Journal Assignments, reflection and evaluation are key. You should take the time to assess your work and learn from your mistakes. Consider the following tips when evaluating your work:

• First, compare your work to the marking rubric. Make sure that you’ve addressed all the criteria and that your work adequately reflects your understanding of the topic.
• Be critical of yourself. It’s easy to become attached to your own work, but you can also gain valuable insight by taking an objective look at it. Try to identify areas in which you could improve your argument.
• Ask yourself if the work is clear, coherent and flows well. Do your arguments make sense together? Does the piece build towards a meaningful conclusion?
• Consider the sources you used. Are they credible? Are they current? Their age and origin can have a significant impact on the quality of your work.
• Take into account any feedback or comments you’ve received from your teacher or peers. Use these to inform future revisions and edits.
• Finally, don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate your achievements. Celebrating success can motivate you to continue striving for excellence.

By adopting a reflective and evaluative approach to your work, you can ensure that you’re producing top-notch TOK Journal Assignments.

Completing a TOK Journal Assignment can be a challenging but rewarding process. In this guide, we’ve looked at the different stages of the assignment and how to execute each step effectively. Starting with an introduction to the concept, then moving on to key terms, brainstorming ideas, structuring the assignment and analyzing sources, through to writing and editing, referencing, developing an argument and evaluating your work.

The main takeaway from this guide is that in order to produce a successful journal assignment, you must carefully consider the knowledge question, seek out relevant and reliable evidence, structure the essay to present an engaging and convincing argument, and take your time when reviewing and editing your work.

With this guide, we hope that you now have all you need to write an outstanding TOK assignment. We wish you the best of luck in your studies!

• Last Edit 15 AUG 2023

Nick Radlinsky

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Nick's article, featured in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

IB Internal Assessment Rubric and Grading Criteria

The IB IA rubric is carefully structured to assess students’ understanding, skills and application of subject matter in a nuanced and comprehensive manner. Each subject rubric, whether for sciences such as Biology and Chemistry, humanities such as History and Psychology, or Mathematics, emphasizes a unique set of criteria tailored to assess specific competencies and skills.

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Theatre IA Topics: SL and HL Topic Ideas

Choosing the right topic for IA in the IB Theatre course is a crucial step that significantly influences your research process and overall learning experience. Whether in the Standard Level or Higher Level track, selecting your topic requires careful thought and consideration, aiming to balance personal interest with academic rigor. This guide offers a rich array of topic ideas and research questions to spark your creativity and intellectual curiosity in the vast world of theatre.

Music IA Topics for SL and HL Students

When selecting a topic for your IB Music Internal Assessment, both SL and HL students face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As a seasoned IB educator with years of experience guiding students through this process, I’ve come to recognize the importance of choosing a topic that aligns with the IB criteria and resonates with your musical interests and strengths.

Film IA Topics: SL and HL Topic Ideas

Choosing a topic for your IB Film Internal Assessment (IA) can be exciting and daunting. Whether you’re enrolled in the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), the key is to select an option that not only intrigues you but also meets the criteria of the IB Film course. In this article, we dig into a variety of creative and thought-provoking ideas for both SL and HL Film IA topics.

IB Dance IA Topics: SL and HL Ideas

When it comes to the IB Dance Internal Assessment (IA), students face the exciting challenge of exploring a topic that resonates with their interests and meets the academic rigor of the IB curriculum. I’ve seen how choosing the right topic can set the stage for an enriching learning experience. In this article, I’m thrilled to share some engaging topic ideas for both SL and HL students aimed at sparking creativity and intellectual curiosity.

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How to Write an Article Review: Template & Examples

An article review is an academic assignment that invites you to study a piece of academic research closely. Then, you should present its summary and critically evaluate it using the knowledge you’ve gained in class and during your independent study. If you get such a task at college or university, you shouldn’t confuse it with a response paper, which is a distinct assignment with other purposes (we’ll talk about it in detail below).

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In this article, prepared by Custom-Writing experts, you’ll find: 

• the intricacies of article review writing;
• the difference between an article review and similar assignments;
• a step-by-step algorithm for review composition;
• a couple of samples to guide you throughout the writing process.

So, if you wish to study our article review example and discover helpful writing tips, keep reading.

❓ What Is an Article Review?

• ✍️ Writing Steps

📑 Article Review Format

🔗 references.

An article review is an academic paper that summarizes and critically evaluates the information presented in your selected article. 

The first thing you should note when approaching the task of an article review is that not every article is suitable for this assignment. Let’s have a look at the variety of articles to understand what you can choose from.

Popular Vs. Scholarly Articles

In most cases, you’ll be required to review a scholarly, peer-reviewed article – one composed in compliance with rigorous academic standards. Yet, the Web is also full of popular articles that don’t present original scientific value and shouldn’t be selected for a review.  

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Not sure how to distinguish these two types? Here is a comparative table to help you out.

Article Review vs. Response Paper

Now, let’s consider the difference between an article review and a response paper:

• If you’re assigned to critique a scholarly article , you will need to compose an article review .  
• If your subject of analysis is a popular article , you can respond to it with a well-crafted response paper .  

The reason for such distinctions is the quality and structure of these two article types. Peer-reviewed, scholarly articles have clear-cut quality criteria, allowing you to conduct and present a structured assessment of the assigned material. Popular magazines have loose or non-existent quality criteria and don’t offer an opportunity for structured evaluation. So, they are only fit for a subjective response, in which you can summarize your reactions and emotions related to the reading material.  

All in all, you can structure your response assignments as outlined in the tips below.

✍️ How to Write an Article Review: Step by Step

Here is a tried and tested algorithm for article review writing from our experts. We’ll consider only the critical review variety of this academic assignment. So, let’s get down to the stages you need to cover to get a stellar review.  

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Read the Article

As with any reviews, reports, and critiques, you must first familiarize yourself with the assigned material. It’s impossible to review something you haven’t read, so set some time for close, careful reading of the article to identify:

• Its topic.  
• Its type.  
• The author’s main points and message. 
• The arguments they use to prove their points. 
• The methodology they use to approach the subject. 

In terms of research type , your article will usually belong to one of three types explained below. 

Summarize the Article

Now that you’ve read the text and have a general impression of the content, it’s time to summarize it for your readers. Look into the article’s text closely to determine:

• The thesis statement , or general message of the author.  
• Research question, purpose, and context of research.  
• Supporting points for the author’s assumptions and claims.  
• Major findings and supporting evidence.  

As you study the article thoroughly, make notes on the margins or write these elements out on a sheet of paper. You can also apply a different technique: read the text section by section and formulate its gist in one phrase or sentence. Once you’re done, you’ll have a summary skeleton in front of you.

Evaluate the Article

The next step of review is content evaluation. Keep in mind that various research types will require a different set of review questions. Here is a complete list of evaluation points you can include.

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Write the Text

After completing the critical review stage, it’s time to compose your article review.

The format of this assignment is standard – you will have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction should present your article and summarize its content. The body will contain a structured review according to all four dimensions covered in the previous section. The concluding part will typically recap all the main points you’ve identified during your assessment.  

It is essential to note that an article review is, first of all, an academic assignment. Therefore, it should follow all rules and conventions of academic composition, such as:

• No contractions . Don’t use short forms, such as “don’t,” “can’t,” “I’ll,” etc. in academic writing. You need to spell out all those words.  
• Formal language and style . Avoid conversational phrasing and words that you would naturally use in blog posts or informal communication. For example, don’t use words like “pretty,” “kind of,” and “like.”  
• Third-person narrative . Academic reviews should be written from the third-person point of view, avoiding statements like “I think,” “in my opinion,” and so on.  
• No conversational forms . You shouldn’t turn to your readers directly in the text by addressing them with the pronoun “you.” It’s vital to keep the narrative neutral and impersonal.  
• Proper abbreviation use . Consult the list of correct abbreviations , like “e.g.” or “i.e.,” for use in your academic writing. If you use informal abbreviations like “FYA” or “f.i.,” your professor will reduce the grade.  
• Complete sentences . Make sure your sentences contain the subject and the predicate; avoid shortened or sketch-form phrases suitable for a draft only.  
• No conjunctions at the beginning of a sentence . Remember the FANBOYS rule – don’t start a sentence with words like “and” or “but.” They often seem the right way to build a coherent narrative, but academic writing rules disfavor such usage.  
• No abbreviations or figures at the beginning of a sentence . Never start a sentence with a number — spell it out if you need to use it anyway. Besides, sentences should never begin with abbreviations like “e.g.”  

Finally, a vital rule for an article review is properly formatting the citations. We’ll discuss the correct use of citation styles in the following section.

When composing an article review, keep these points in mind:

• Start with a full reference to the reviewed article so the reader can locate it quickly.  
• Ensure correct formatting of in-text references.  
• Provide a complete list of used external sources on the last page of the review – your bibliographical entries .  

You’ll need to understand the rules of your chosen citation style to meet all these requirements. Below, we’ll discuss the two most common referencing styles – APA and MLA.

Article Review in APA

When you need to compose an article review in the APA format , here is the general bibliographical entry format you should use for journal articles on your reference page:  

• Author’s last name, First initial. Middle initial. (Year of Publication). Name of the article. Name of the Journal, volume (number), pp. #-#. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyy

Horigian, V. E., Schmidt, R. D., & Feaster, D. J. (2021). Loneliness, mental health, and substance use among US young adults during COVID-19. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 53 (1), pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2020.1836435

Your in-text citations should follow the author-date format like this:

• If you paraphrase the source and mention the author in the text: According to Horigian et al. (2021), young adults experienced increased levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic. 
• If you paraphrase the source and don’t mention the author in the text: Young adults experienced increased levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic (Horigian et al., 2021). 
• If you quote the source: As Horigian et al. (2021) point out, there were “elevated levels of loneliness, depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and drug use among young adults during COVID-19” (p. 6). 

Note that your in-text citations should include “et al.,” as in the examples above, if your article has 3 or more authors. If you have one or two authors, your in-text citations would look like this:

• One author: “According to Smith (2020), depression is…” or “Depression is … (Smith, 2020).”
• Two authors: “According to Smith and Brown (2020), anxiety means…” or “Anxiety means (Smith & Brown, 2020).”

Finally, in case you have to review a book or a website article, here are the general formats for citing these source types on your APA reference list.

Article Review in MLA

If your assignment requires MLA-format referencing, here’s the general format you should use for citing journal articles on your Works Cited page: 

• Author’s last name, First name. “Title of an Article.” Title of the Journal , vol. #, no. #, year, pp. #-#. 

Horigian, Viviana E., et al. “Loneliness, Mental Health, and Substance Use Among US Young Adults During COVID-19.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs , vol. 53, no. 1, 2021, pp. 1-9.

In-text citations in the MLA format follow the author-page citation format and look like this:

• According to Horigian et al., young adults experienced increased levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic (6).
• Young adults experienced increased levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic (Horigian et al. 6).

Like in APA, the abbreviation “et al.” is only needed in MLA if your article has 3 or more authors.

If you need to cite a book or a website page, here are the general MLA formats for these types of sources.

✅ Article Review Template

Here is a handy, universal article review template to help you move on with any review assignment. We’ve tried to make it as generic as possible to guide you in the academic process.

📝 Article Review Examples

The theory is good, but practice is even better. Thus, we’ve created three brief examples to show you how to write an article review. You can study the full-text samples by following the links.

📃 Men, Women, & Money   

This article review examines a famous piece, “Men, Women & Money – How the Sexes Differ with Their Finances,” published by Amy Livingston in 2020. The author of this article claims that men generally spend more money than women. She makes this conclusion from a close analysis of gender-specific expenditures across five main categories: food, clothing, cars, entertainment, and general spending patterns. Livingston also looks at men’s approach to saving to argue that counter to the common perception of women’s light-hearted attitude to money, men are those who spend more on average.  

📃 When and Why Nationalism Beats Globalism   

This is a review of Jonathan Heidt’s 2016 article titled “When and Why Nationalism Beats Globalism,” written as an advocacy of right-wing populism rising in many Western states. The author illustrates the case with the election of Donald Trump as the US President and the rise of right-wing rhetoric in many Western countries. These examples show how nationalist sentiment represents a reaction to global immigration and a failure of globalization.  

📃 Sleep Deprivation   

This is a review of the American Heart Association’s article titled “The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation.” It discusses how the national organization concerned with the American population’s cardiovascular health links the lack of high-quality sleep to far-reaching health consequences. The organization’s experts reveal how a consistent lack of sleep leads to Alzheimer’s disease development, obesity, type 2 diabetes, etc.  

✏️ Article Review FAQ

A high-quality article review should summarize the assigned article’s content and offer data-backed reactions and evaluations of its quality in terms of the article’s purpose, methodology, and data used to argue the main points. It should be detailed, comprehensive, objective, and evidence-based.

The purpose of writing a review is to allow students to reflect on research quality and showcase their critical thinking and evaluation skills. Students should exhibit their mastery of close reading of research publications and their unbiased assessment.

The content of your article review will be the same in any format, with the only difference in the assignment’s formatting before submission. Ensure you have a separate title page made according to APA standards and cite sources using the parenthetical author-date referencing format.

You need to take a closer look at various dimensions of an assigned article to compose a valuable review. Study the author’s object of analysis, the purpose of their research, the chosen method, data, and findings. Evaluate all these dimensions critically to see whether the author has achieved the initial goals. Finally, offer improvement recommendations to add a critique aspect to your paper.

• Scientific Article Review: Duke University  
• Book and Article Reviews: William & Mary, Writing Resources Center  
• Sample Format for Reviewing a Journal Article: Boonshoft School of Medicine  
• Research Paper Review – Structure and Format Guidelines: New Jersey Institute of Technology  
• Article Review: University of Waterloo  
• Article Review: University of South Australia  
• How to Write a Journal Article Review: University of Newcastle Library Guides  
• Writing Help: The Article Review: Central Michigan University Libraries  
• Write a Critical Review of a Scientific Journal Article: McLaughlin Library  
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2018 Presentations (Communicative Events)

Reflection Journals - Examples of using this powerful tool to help students synthesize course content

Marquart, Matthea S. ; Counselman Carpenter, Elisabeth A.

For new and experienced online instructors, or those who work with them, this interactive session will share examples of well received reflection journal assignments from online courses at Columbia University. The presenters will open by touching on research on the value of reflection journals, sample uses of reflection journal assignments, and how to provide instructor feedback and grading to deepen student work on future journal entries while maintaining a feasible instructor workload. Next, the presenters will share examples of reflection journal assignment instructions, grading rubrics, and lessons learned from two online courses. Finally, the presenters will facilitate a chat-based discussion to encourage the session participants to share their experiences, advice, and questions. Most learning management systems, including Blackboard and Canvas, include a journal tool. This session will help instructors share and spark ideas of ways to use this tool effectively in their own online courses, regardless of the course topic or academic discipline. The presenters will be Beth Counselman Carpenter, Assistant Professor, Southern Connecticut State University's School of Health and Human Services; and Matthea Marquart, Director of Administration, Online Campus, and Lecturer, Columbia University School of Social Work.

• Web-based instruction
• Critical thinking
• Teaching--Methodology
• Columbia University

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More about this work.

Presented at the Excellence in Higher Education 2018 Conference on September 24, 2018 CITATION: Marquart, M., and Counselman-Carpenter, B. (2018, September 24). Reflection Journals - Examples of using this powerful tool to help students synthesize course content. Workshop presented at Columbia Southern University’s Excellence In Higher Education: Innovation In Theory And Practice Virtual Conference, Online via Adobe Connect.

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