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Language Development Journal

Keeping a language development journal is an effective way for language learners to practice and improve their skills outside of formal lessons. The document provides tips for creating and using a journal, including choosing a portable notebook, setting personal language goals, and experimenting with different recording methods like writing, drawing, or charting examples of vocabulary and grammar. The goal is for the journal to help focus practice on areas of interest through reflecting on daily interactions and workshops in a self-organized way.

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Gunnie Pandher
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46 views

Language Development Journal

Keeping a language development journal is an effective way for language learners to practice and improve their skills outside of formal lessons. The document provides tips for creating and using a journal, including choosing a portable notebook, setting personal language goals, and experimenting with different recording methods like writing, drawing, or charting examples of vocabulary and grammar. The goal is for the journal to help focus practice on areas of interest through reflecting on daily interactions and workshops in a self-organized way.

Uploaded by

Gunnie Pandher
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Intercultural Communication Center

ICC Language Learning Tips:


Create Your Own Language Development Journal
Why start a language development journal?

Keeping a language journal is an effective way to turn everyday interactions (e.g., meetings with
your advisor, class discussions, conference presentations, TV, etc.) into productive language learning
activities. Second language acquisition takes time and practice; using a journal can help you maintain
this practice in an organized way. In addition, a journal can allow you to focus on the language and
cultural issues (both in your daily life and at ICC) that are most pertinent to your personal language
interests.
Tips on using a language development journal

Choose a notebook small enough to carry around with you in your bag or backpack; a 3 by 5
inch or 5 by 7 inch notebook is a good size.
Get a notebook with a spiral binding; it is easier to use when no desk or table is available.
Set personal language goals (e.g., improve presentation techniques, participate better in group
meetings, improve listening, strengthen fluency, pass the ITA test etc.), and use the journal to
focus on your specific goals.
Use whatever strategies are most effective for you. For example, some students found it useful to:
Organize the notebook by topic (e.g., vocabulary, grammar, presentation techniques), or
simply fill it in chronologically
Chart progress by reflecting on their own performance (e.g., Today I gave a great presentation or I was able to answer unexpected questions by using the following strategy.)
Keep notes from ICC workshops and tutoring
Record good communication strategies observed in daily life (e.g., the conference speaker used
stress for emphasis very effectively)
Collect useful examples of language (e.g., vocabulary choices, idioms, linking language,
etc.) used by fluent speakers
Experiment with different modalities to find what is most useful for you (for example, you
can write, draw, create graphs and charts of language samples, etc.). Be creative this is your
journal. There is no right or wrong way to use it.

04/09

Warner Hall 308, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890

412-268-4979

[email protected]

www.cmu.edu/icc/

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