Exploring Reflective Journal Writing in the Classroom

Research Questions: What are some attitudes and behavioral trends of students toward a journal writing assignment? How effective is a journal writing assignment in the classroom? How can a journal writing assignment be improved for both students and instructor? Method: Quantitative data based on 39 surveys administered during 2007 and 38 surveys administered in 2008 at WWU to COMM318 Professional Communication Fall Quarter 2008 students. Also, this study included student journals (about 10 pages each) with qualitative comments. The data reduction for quantitative portion was broken down into a year over year comparison.