## Introduction to Learning Journals - A technique is shared to help learners absorb information more effectively and become more successful, which involves creating a learning journal to track progress and reflect on learning [(00:00:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=7s). - The learning journal is recommended to be a physical, paper-based notebook, rather than a digital one, to allow for a more hands-on and engaging experience [(00:00:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=59s). - The journal is used to capture what is being learned, reflect on the learning process, experiment with new ideas, and record the results of those experiments [(00:01:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=70s). - The learning journal also serves as a planning tool, allowing learners to plan for future learning and keep track of ideas and goals [(00:01:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=83s). ## The Clear Learning Journal - A specific learning journal, designed by Nah Schwarting and Aarin Kaiho from the company Clear, is highlighted as a useful tool for adding structure and fun to the learning process [(00:02:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=125s). - The Clear learning journal is a high-quality, 178mm x 250mm notebook with 100g paper, and features a 12-week plan, trackers, and bullet journal-style indexing [(00:02:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=145s). - The journal is designed to guide learners through the process of active learning, which involves planning, exploring, experimenting, reflecting, and summarizing [(00:02:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=162s). - The journal includes motivational quotes, information on active learning, and tips for avoiding the forgetting curve and improving retention [(00:03:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=216s). - Each week in the journal follows a similar structure, with space for planning, exploring, and reflecting on learning [(00:03:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=230s). - A learning journal is used to guide and structure learning, with a 12-week process that includes planning, exploring, experimenting, and reflecting on learning, keeping learners on track and excited about the learning process [(00:03:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=239s). ## Weekly Structure and Activities - Each week, learners plan their learning, explore the learning with metacognition, experiment with different ways of learning, and reflect on the experiment and learning, moving into the next week with new insights and perspectives [(00:04:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=262s). - The journal includes motivational quotes, ideas for reflection, and space for notes and experimentation, providing a physical object for learners to use and interact with [(00:04:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=243s). ## Benefits and Integration with Other Learning Strategies - The physical journal can be paired with different learning strategies, such as active recall and quizzing, to increase learning effectiveness [(00:05:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=333s). - Research has shown that taking notes by hand can increase the ability to learn and retain information, making the journal a valuable tool for learners [(00:05:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=355s). - The journal can also be used to reference different files, technologies, and resources, helping learners to stay organized and focused [(00:06:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=390s). - Learners are encouraged to blend the physical journal with technology, using it to reference different resources and tools, and to maintain focus and get the best results [(00:06:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=414s). - The journal provides a structural element to keep learners on track, making it a useful tool for effective learning [(00:06:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=362s). - The physical journal can be used in conjunction with electronic note-taking equipment, providing a hands-on experience and a way to reflect on learning [(00:07:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE&t=444s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QhfByfNgE)