Journals, Reflection and LearningA 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 of journal writing are: breaking habitual thought patterns; improve the development of reflective judgment and metacognition; increase awareness of tacit knowledge; facilitate self-exploration and personal growth; and finding solutions to problems (Andrusyszyn and Davie 1997; Mitchell and Coltrinari 2001; Moon 1999). Moon (1999) and Carroll (1994) discuss theories and research that support a number of hypotheses about learning from journals: Making connections between new and existing knowledge improves learning. Writing about learning is a way to demonstrate what has been learned. Journal writing enhances favorable learning conditions - it requires time and space for reflection, encourages independent thinking and ownership, allows for the expression of feelings, and provides a place to work through poorly structured problems. Reflection encourages deep rather than surface learning. English and Gillen (2001) report a lack of research on the effectiveness of journal writing in adult education, although a few studies have demonstrated changes in thinking. (Jasper 1999); greater mastery of writing and language (Myers 2001); improving the quality of group discussions and lesson delivery (Kember et al. 1999; Parkyn 1999); and, in health care settings, better integration of learning and clinical practice (Jasper 1999). Newspapers are considered an effective way to socialize learners into academic discourse and institutional culture (Garland 1999; Myers 2001) and enhance English learning...... middle of paper ... ...f Thought in newspaper writing. " System 29, No. 4 (December 2001): 481-488. Orem, R.A. "Journal Writing as a Form of Professional Development." In Proceedings of the 16th Annual Midwest Research-to-Practice Conference in Child Education adults, continuing and community, edited by SJ Levine, pp. 151-156 East Lansing: Michigan State University, 1997. (ED 412 370) http://www.anrecs.msu.edu/research/orem.htmParkyn, DL. “Learning in business from others: fostering a community of discourse with a collaborative electronic journal. " College Teaching 47, No. 3 (Summer 1999): 88-90.Schiwy, MA A Voice of Her Own: Women and the Journal Writing Journey. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996.Williamson, A . “Reflecting on adult learning with particular reference to learning in action.” Australian Journal of Adult and Community Education 37, no. 1997): 93-99.