My Learning Journal

This journal is a tool to help students reflect on both their study habits and their overall well-being, since all of these affect how they learn. Some of the terms may need a quick explanation: The ‘Pomodoro technique’ means breaking work into short, focused sessions (usually 25 minutes) with short breaks in between. ‘Swallowed any frogs?’ refers to tackling your hardest or least favorite task first, so it doesn’t hang over you all day. The ‘Backpack’ vs. ‘Locker’ analogy encourages students to think about what they actively worked on that day (backpack = carried with them) versus what they reviewed or revisited from memory (locker = stored knowledge). Sections on sleep, exercise, and food remind students that healthy habits directly improve focus, memory, and grades.

Tutors can use this worksheet however it works best for them and their student/s. Check in on their journal once a week, asking questions like: What new strategies helped you? Did you try the Pomodoro method? What was your ‘frog’ this week? Over time, this routine builds metacognition — helping students recognize what’s working, what needs to change, and how daily habits support academic success.