ABSTRACT
Reflection is more than merely thinking or musing. Reflection is a complex and intentional intellectual activity that generates learning from experience. Journals promote reflection on and learning from experience. Reflection starts with discomfort during an experience and leads a person to a balanced state. It takes time and focus to reach clarity of thought. As in Laura and Barbara’s reflections, journal writing gives journal keepers the tools to examine and learn from the life events that swirl around them. Reflection is the engine that moves the learning cycle along its path to further learning, action, and more reflection. Faculty who require students to complete service learning projects often have students record their observations in a log or a journal that is used for class discussion and reflection. Journal writing promotes a cycle of reflection, experience, reflection, and ultimately learning through observation of the self in action.
