Abstract:
This study assessed the benefits of keeping reflective journal writing
on improving English writing skills, increasing motivation, enhancing
creativity, and critical thinking among university students. It also
explored differences in students’ performance and attitudes due to
gender, and some writing practices. The sample consisted of 120 male
and female students from four sections of an undergraduate writing
course. A 19-item questionnaire was distributed and the items were
structured according to three dimensions: improving learning, motivation
and self confidence, and value and convenience. The results of the study
indicated the positive effects of the use of reflective journal writing in
enhancing motivation and self-confidence and improving learning in general and the writing skills in particular. The results also indicated that female students favored reflective journal writing more than male students. Furthermore, students who voluntarily wrote their own paragraphs were more motivated to write than others and had a much better perception. In sum, reflective journal writing makes the writing
course enjoyable, motivating, relevant and exciting.
