In my freshman composition class, my instructor required that we fill up a certain number of pages in our journals by the end of the semester. He specified that we could write “Don’t Read” across the pages with things of very private nature. Once I taught a composition class to a group of older students who had been out of college for a long time and froze every time they needed to write a paper. I thought it would be useful for them to keep a daily journal for a couple of weeks at least. And, yes, I did something I probably wouldn’t do now - I said they could write “Don’t Read” over certain pages. The things I did get to read revealed great thinkers and writers. Many who were against journal writing at first continued writing in their journals till the end of the semester. They shared personal, not necessarily private things; they shared things that could be easily put in and add tremendous depth to their essays. Journal writing became a great extension of the writing they produced in class, not an appendix to it.
I think journal writing can be a great learning tool and not just in a composition classroom. We know that many professors do not see the value in encouraging students to relate their personal experiences to the readings. And, journal writing is certainly not a common practice outside of the composition program. But it is no news that the making of new meaning is always connected to the previously gained knowledge and experience, to the things that go on in the students’ lives currently. Why not let our students make that connection not always on the spot in the classroom, but in their personal writing space?
As a mentor in Baruch's Executive Student Partnership Program, I've given new mentees a Journal when we first meet. I encourage them to jot their dreams and aspirations into the Journal because dreams have a tendency to become concrete if they are written, refined and revisited. Dreams and aspirations that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timeframed become SMART goals and SMART goals are a way to make things happen in our lives.
Writing has become a low tech form of communication but those who are able to express themselves effectively in writing set themselves apart. I like Journals and keep several. I've begun a Word Journal and jot new words for my vocabulary or words that simply appeal to me and those I want to integrate into my vocabulary or writing. I include the definition for each word in my personal lexicon. There are other Journals as well to capture and consider poetry or excerpts of famous writings or moments that will be savored in years to come.
Yes, I would encourage students to become creative Journal scribers, to take chances with a turn of phrase or express their thoughts in their own personal style. Over the years, the rewards will be many.
Reply to Diane B, EOC