Journal Writing as an Adult Learning Tool

The journal holds experiences as a puzzle frame holds its pieces. The writer begins to recognize the pieces that fit together and, like the detective, sees the picture evolve (Williamson 1997, p. 98). The jour-nal, a container of experience, is used in many ways to foster reflection and adult learning. This Brief reviews the research and practice litera-ture and describes issues and methods involved in incorporating jour-nal writing in adult education. Journals, Reflection, and Learning A journal is a crucible for processing the raw material of experience in order to integrate it with existing knowledge and create new meaning. Among the many purposes for journal writing are the following: to break habitual ways of thinking; enhance the development of reflec-tive judgment and metacognition; increase awareness of tacit knowl-edge; facilitate self-exploration and personal growth; and work out solutions to problems (Andrusyszyn and Davie 1997; Mitchell an