My 38 year learning log journey
Over one and a half million hand written words
I am not a naturally reflective person. My learning log gives me a structure for 'forced reflection', ensuring I get more value from the continuous flow of potentially development experiences real work and life provides.
In February 1987 I wrote my first learning log, and the most recently completed was number 2,290.
I am, truly, a lifelong learner. Do look over my learning log experiences and thoughts - I hope this helps.
My learning log is just one way of recording learning
Here are three samples from the seven files of the written log.
Click pictures to enlarge.
Two videos from my YouTube channel
These two videos provide insights around why and how I spend a very few minutes at a time reflecting upon, clarifying and recording professional learning that would, I know for sure would otherwise be lost.
A four minute overview of the way I log my learning posted in 2016.
A ten minute summary of how I capture learning in many ways.
Click here to download my blogs on and around recording learning including these three
Using learning logs for real professional development.
Keeping a learning log: The first 38 years are the hardest.
We learning something every day?
And more
I wrote this article for 'Coaching Perspectives' some years back, and my preferred format of logging my learning is now less structured. Plenty here to get an insight of value.
View and download the April edition of 'Coaching Perspectives' below - see this article on page 30
Sixteen ways I use my Learning Log
To record learning, and making it more like to be applied.
01
To prompt actions that without conscious reflection would not have happened.
02
To release frustration, confusion and irritation.
03
To clarify my thinking and turn this into actions of value.
04
To clarify my thinking and turn this into actions of value.
05
To demonstrate an evidential, tangible commitment to my professional development.
06
To model the behaviours and actions I encourage in others with whom I work.
07
To differentiate myself from others who have lesser claims to be genuine life long learners.
08
To provide evidence of competency and activity for accredited qualifications.
09
To give me something worthwhile to do when I have time that would otherwise create no value.
10
To trigger and go deeper into thoughts that emerge by slowing my thinking down.
11
To review my development and get some idea of progression or regression over an extended period.
12
To provide material for published work in various media - articles, blogs, videos, podcasts and more.
13
To give me something to do I pretend is more urgent than what I really need to work upon.
14
To set goals and targets.
15
To reflect forward and anticipate learning opportunities that would otherwise be missed.
16
Click here to download two sample transcripts from many made from recordings
Using learning logs for CPD - an Eventbrite workshop.
What tangible value from keeping a learning log?
Activity: Eight generalisations on keeping a learning log
An activity I use to provoke thoughts and challenges around recording learning.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.