How to Use a Learning Journal

How to use a Learning Journal

In the absence of a purpose built learning journal we can piece together more effective learning using a combination of multiple tools. 

Step 1 - Choose a Note Taking Application 

I don’t have a strong opinion on what to use. I like DayOne (a purpose built journal for Mac). I could see Obsidian, Roam Research, LogSeq, Evernote, Notion, etc. all being used well for a learning journal.

Step 2 - Take Notes on What You’re Learning Every Day 

Write down key points you want to remember from podcasts you listen to, blogs you read, and reflections you have on the day. 

Think of note taking as “listening on paper.” It’s not a great learning activity but it can help you listen better. 

Something I like to do is write down questions as I’m reading. These questions can form the basis of quiz questions to help me think through in the future. 

Note taking is one of my core on-the-job learning habits: write down what you learn daily. Once you get in the habit it can be addictive. It’s like a way to keep score on how the day went. How many lessons did I learn today? 

Step 3 - Reflect on What You’ve Learned Weekly 

Go to your task list or calendar and schedule a 30 minute session once per week to review what you are learning. 

Don’t passively review (this is an important point). You need to engage actively with the lessons you want to remember. 

Here’s a simple way to do that: 

• Copy all the lessons you’ve learned for the week 

• Give Chat GPT the following prompt with the lessons you’ve learned pasted in. 

You are a learning assistant who is helping me remember the things I’m reading and listening to. I’m going to copy and paste my learning journal entries from the week. I want you to generate a quiz for me, one question at a time on things that I’ve learned. 

Step 4 - Star the Most Important Lessons

Star, bookmark, or some other way mark the most important learnings you want to remember. Once a quarter review these most important lessons (ideally using a quizzing system vs. passively review).