Thinking aloud on paper: an experience in journal writing

Journal writing is one of many strategies that can help promote learning in a process-oriented curriculum. This article explores the experience of implementing journal writing as an expectation of second-year baccalaureate nursing students in a clinical practicum. Faculty had a vital role in facilitating this experience. The journals provided a medium within which students explored in depth significant events that occurred in their practicum. Their analysis of these events included application of theoretical frameworks and concepts that supported and strengthened the arguments made in the journals. Students responded very favorably to their experiences in journal writing. In the evaluation of this experience, students reported increased abilities in critical thinking and self-directed learning. These two important concepts complement each other in the students' learning processes.