Main Article Content
Abstract
Journaling serves as a documented account of the thoughts and emotions experienced in daily life. This term has also been analyzed in the educational context, especially in language learning. In addition, online reflective journals have been the subject of multiple studies, but these studies have all involved teachers rather than students. Thus, the effect of formative online reflective journals on SRL among college students is investigated in this research. The data was evaluated using central tendency measurement after fifty-two students were asked to provide quantitative data on their perspectives on using reflective journals. Subsequently, five students were interviewed using a semi-structured interview to gather additional qualitative data. Additionally, document analysis was used in this investigation. The results show that students' SRL abilities may be significantly improved by using online reflective journals, which contribute to students' motivation, self-awareness, and metacognition. During this research process, educator administration, an appropriate method and the empowering of student learning environment are elements that affects reflective journals being active properly. The results of this study are anticipated to offer important insights on the use and efficacy formative online reflective journals, as one intervention tool for SRL among higher education students in a well-established university setting. More precisely, the outcomes guide us on responding to this research question: What are the key components of formative online reflective journals that support the development of self-regulated learning (SRL) among higher education students?
Keywords
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ivana Arlene Wellington, Paulus Kuswandono

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References
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- Ballantine, J., & Hammack, F. (2009). The Sociology of Education: A Systematic Analysis. Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
- Chang, B. (2019). Reflection in Learning. Online Learning Journal, 23(1), 95-100. http://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v23i1.1447
- Chen, Peggy & Bonner, Sarah. (2019). A framework of classroom assessment for learning and self-regulation. Assessment in Education Principles Policy and Practice. http://doi.org/10.1080/0969594X.2019.1619515
- Daff, L., Tame, C., & Sands, J. (2024). A course design approach that encourages reflective practice habits. The International Journal of Management Education, 22(2), 100990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2024.100990
- Dewey, J. (1933). How we think: A restatement of the relation of reflective thinking to the educative process. Heath & Co.
- Dinç, E., Wherley, M., & Sankey, H. (2023). Student Perception of Journaling as an Assessment for an Engagement Experience. Journal of Experiential Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259231203671
- Duchesne, S., & McMaugh, A. (2016). Educational psychology for learning and teaching. Cengage Learning Australia.
- Dunning, D., Heath, C., & Suls, J. M. (2004). Flawed self-assessment. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5(3), 69–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-1006.2004.00018.x
- Dutta, S., He, M., & Tsang, D. (2023). Reflection and peer assessment to promote self-directed learning in higher education. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews. 11. https://doi.org/10.33495/jerr_v11i3.23.111
- Dymoke, S., & Harrison, J. (2008). Reflective teaching and Learning: A guide to professional issues for beginning secondary teachers. SAGE.
- Dwyer, C. P. (2023). An evaluative review of barriers to critical thinking in educational and real-world settings. Journal of Intelligence, 11(6), 105. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11060105
- Elder, L., & Paul, R. (2020). Critical thinking: Tools for taking charge of your learning and your life. Foundation for Critical Thinking.
- Gibbs, G. (1988). Learning by doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. Oxford: Further Education Unit Oxford Polytechnic.
- Guilloteaux, M. J., & Dörnyei, Z. (2008). Motivating Language Learners: a classroom-oriented investigation of the effects of motivational strategies on student motivation. TESOL QUARTERLY, 42 (1), 55-75.
- Hammad, E. A. (2022). The effect of using personal experience journals on writing fluency and writing anxiety of Al-Aqsa University EFL students. World Journal of English Language, 12(1), 301. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v12n1p301
- Holmes, N. G., Wieman, C. E., & Bonn, D. A. (2015). Teaching critical thinking. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(36), 11199–11204.
- Iqbal, Muhammad & Farida, Linda & Win, Khin. (2023). The influence of student attitudes on learning achievement. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi. 7. 92-98. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v7i2.26697
- Jado, S.M. (2015). The Effect of Using Learning Journals on Developing Self-Regulated Learning and Reflective Thinking among Pre-Service Teachers in Jordan. Journal of Education and Practice, 6, 89-103.
- Kong, S.-C., & Lin, T. (2023). Developing self-regulated learning as a pedagogy in Higher Education: An institutional survey and case study in Hong Kong. Heliyon, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22115
- Lee, C. M. (2024). Online Learning versus Face to Face Learning toward Students: Which Can Be an Effective Way of Learning Methodology to Our Current Educational System?https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/twdy2
- Machost, H., & Stains, M. (2023b). Reflective practices in education: A Primer for Practitioners. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.22-07-0148
- May-Melendez, R., Balderas-Garza, M., Alcocer-Vazquez, E., & Quijano-Zavala, G. (2019). Reflective Journal: The learners’ perspective in formal instruction. European Scientific Journal ESJ, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2019.v15n10p252
- Mbato, C. L. (2019). Indonesian EFL learners’ critical thinking in reading: Bridging the gap between declarative, procedural and conditional knowledge. Jurnal Humaniora, 31(1), 92. https://doi.org/10.22146/jh.v31i1.37295
- Nation, I. S. P. (2022). Learning vocabulary in another language. Cambridge University Press.
- Nitschinsk, L., Tobin, S. J., Varley, D., & Vanman, E. J. (2023). Why do people sometimes wear an anonymous mask? motivations for seeking anonymity online. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672231210465
- Nückles, M., Hübner, S., & Renkl, A. (2020). Enhancing self-regulated learning by writing learning protocols. Learning and Instruction, 19(3), 259-271.
- Ortube, A. F., Panadero, E., & Dignath, C. (2024). Self-regulated learning interventions for pre-service teachers: A systematic review. Educational Psychology Review, 36(4), Article 113.
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-024-09919-5
- Panadero, E., & Lipnevich, A. A. (2022). A review of feedback models and typologies: Towards an integrative model of feedback elements. Educational Research Review, 35, 100416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100416
- Penggabean, M. S., Cendana, W., & Ani, Y. (2023). The influence of reflective journals on critical thinking ability of students. DIDAKTIKA TAUHIDI: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, 10(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.30997/dt.v10i1.5569
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
- https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
- Sakova, T. G., & Chevereva, S. A. (2020). Fundamentals of choosing an LMS platform for distance learning. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, 348–353. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60926-9_45
- Schön, D.A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books, New York.
- Schunk, D. H., & Zimmerman, B. J. (2012). Motivation and self-regulated learning: Theory, research, and applications. Routledge.
- Sibson L. (2008). An introduction to reflective practice. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 1(3), 121–125. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2008.1.3.42057
- Sudirman, A., Gemilang, A. V., & Kristanto, T. M. (2021). The power of reflective journal writing for university students from the EFL Perspective. Studies in English Language and Education, 8(3), 1061–1079. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v8i3.19105
- Suphasri, P. (2021). Reflective practice in teacher education: Issues, challenges, and considerations. PASAA, 62(1), 236–264. https://doi.org/10.58837/chula.pasaa.62.1.9
- Susanti, A., & Pratama, I. P. (2020). Self-regulated learning skill to improve students’ writing competence for Junior High School. Proceedings of the International Joint Conference on Arts and Humanities (IJCAH 2020). https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201201.155
- Terblanche, E. A. J., & De Clercq, B. (2021). A critical thinking competency framework for accounting students. Accounting Education, 30(4), 325–354. https://doi.org/10.1080/09639284.2021.1913614
- Theobald, M. (2021). Self-regulated learning training programs enhance university students’ academic performance, self-regulated learning strategies, and motivation: A meta-analysis. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 66, 101976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2021.101976
- Tobias, S., & Everson, H. T. (2002). Knowing what you know and what you don’t: Further research on metacognitive knowledge monitoring. College Entrance Examination Board.
- Warrick, A. (2021). Strategies for reducing cognitive overload in the online language learning classroom. International Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 1(2), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.33422/ijsfle.v1i2.124
- Xiao, Y., & Yang, M. (2019). Formative assessment and self-regulated learning: How formative assessment supports students’ self-regulation in English language learning. System, 81, 39–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2019.01.004
- Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64-70.
References
Ahmed, A. M. (2019). Students' reflective journaling: An impactful strategy that informs instructional practices in an EFL writing university context in Qatar. Reflective Practice, 20(4), 483-500. https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2019.1638246
Acemian, N. (2013). The impact of learner-controlled blended instruction. Concordia University Montreal.
Alabidi, S., Owais, A., Alabidi, F., & Taani, O. (2022). Exploring the Role of Reflective Diaries as a Formative Assessment Strategy in Promoting Self-Regulated Learning Among ESL Students1. Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 27, Article 19. https://doi.org/10.7275/kw8k-5n11
Al-Rawahi, N.M. & Al-Balushi, S. (2015). The effect of reflective science journal writing on students’ self-regulated learning strategies. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education. 10. 367- https://doi.org/10.379.10.12973/ijese.2015.250a
Alt, D., Raichel, N., & Naamati-Schneider, L. (2022). Higher education students’ reflective journal writing and Lifelong Learning Skills: Insights from an exploratory sequential study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.707168
Aryal, Muna. (2024). Reflective Teaching and Practices in the Classroom. Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Advancements. 2. 26-31. https://doi.org/10.3126/jomra.v2i1.66635
Awidi, I. T., & Klutsey, J. Q. (2024). Using online critical reflection to enhance students’ confidence, motivation, and engagement in Higher Education. Technology, Knowledge and Learning. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-024-09751-4
Ballantine, J., & Hammack, F. (2009). The Sociology of Education: A Systematic Analysis. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Chang, B. (2019). Reflection in Learning. Online Learning Journal, 23(1), 95-100. http://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v23i1.1447
Chen, Peggy & Bonner, Sarah. (2019). A framework of classroom assessment for learning and self-regulation. Assessment in Education Principles Policy and Practice. http://doi.org/10.1080/0969594X.2019.1619515
Daff, L., Tame, C., & Sands, J. (2024). A course design approach that encourages reflective practice habits. The International Journal of Management Education, 22(2), 100990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2024.100990
Dewey, J. (1933). How we think: A restatement of the relation of reflective thinking to the educative process. Heath & Co.
Dinç, E., Wherley, M., & Sankey, H. (2023). Student Perception of Journaling as an Assessment for an Engagement Experience. Journal of Experiential Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259231203671
Duchesne, S., & McMaugh, A. (2016). Educational psychology for learning and teaching. Cengage Learning Australia.
Dunning, D., Heath, C., & Suls, J. M. (2004). Flawed self-assessment. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5(3), 69–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-1006.2004.00018.x
Dutta, S., He, M., & Tsang, D. (2023). Reflection and peer assessment to promote self-directed learning in higher education. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews. 11. https://doi.org/10.33495/jerr_v11i3.23.111
Dymoke, S., & Harrison, J. (2008). Reflective teaching and Learning: A guide to professional issues for beginning secondary teachers. SAGE.
Dwyer, C. P. (2023). An evaluative review of barriers to critical thinking in educational and real-world settings. Journal of Intelligence, 11(6), 105. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11060105
Elder, L., & Paul, R. (2020). Critical thinking: Tools for taking charge of your learning and your life. Foundation for Critical Thinking.
Gibbs, G. (1988). Learning by doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. Oxford: Further Education Unit Oxford Polytechnic.
Guilloteaux, M. J., & Dörnyei, Z. (2008). Motivating Language Learners: a classroom-oriented investigation of the effects of motivational strategies on student motivation. TESOL QUARTERLY, 42 (1), 55-75.
Hammad, E. A. (2022). The effect of using personal experience journals on writing fluency and writing anxiety of Al-Aqsa University EFL students. World Journal of English Language, 12(1), 301. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v12n1p301
Holmes, N. G., Wieman, C. E., & Bonn, D. A. (2015). Teaching critical thinking. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(36), 11199–11204.
Iqbal, Muhammad & Farida, Linda & Win, Khin. (2023). The influence of student attitudes on learning achievement. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi. 7. 92-98. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v7i2.26697
Jado, S.M. (2015). The Effect of Using Learning Journals on Developing Self-Regulated Learning and Reflective Thinking among Pre-Service Teachers in Jordan. Journal of Education and Practice, 6, 89-103.
Kong, S.-C., & Lin, T. (2023). Developing self-regulated learning as a pedagogy in Higher Education: An institutional survey and case study in Hong Kong. Heliyon, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22115
Lee, C. M. (2024). Online Learning versus Face to Face Learning toward Students: Which Can Be an Effective Way of Learning Methodology to Our Current Educational System?https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/twdy2
Machost, H., & Stains, M. (2023b). Reflective practices in education: A Primer for Practitioners. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.22-07-0148
May-Melendez, R., Balderas-Garza, M., Alcocer-Vazquez, E., & Quijano-Zavala, G. (2019). Reflective Journal: The learners’ perspective in formal instruction. European Scientific Journal ESJ, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2019.v15n10p252
Mbato, C. L. (2019). Indonesian EFL learners’ critical thinking in reading: Bridging the gap between declarative, procedural and conditional knowledge. Jurnal Humaniora, 31(1), 92. https://doi.org/10.22146/jh.v31i1.37295
Nation, I. S. P. (2022). Learning vocabulary in another language. Cambridge University Press.
Nitschinsk, L., Tobin, S. J., Varley, D., & Vanman, E. J. (2023). Why do people sometimes wear an anonymous mask? motivations for seeking anonymity online. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672231210465
Nückles, M., Hübner, S., & Renkl, A. (2020). Enhancing self-regulated learning by writing learning protocols. Learning and Instruction, 19(3), 259-271.
Ortube, A. F., Panadero, E., & Dignath, C. (2024). Self-regulated learning interventions for pre-service teachers: A systematic review. Educational Psychology Review, 36(4), Article 113.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-024-09919-5
Panadero, E., & Lipnevich, A. A. (2022). A review of feedback models and typologies: Towards an integrative model of feedback elements. Educational Research Review, 35, 100416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100416
Penggabean, M. S., Cendana, W., & Ani, Y. (2023). The influence of reflective journals on critical thinking ability of students. DIDAKTIKA TAUHIDI: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, 10(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.30997/dt.v10i1.5569
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Sakova, T. G., & Chevereva, S. A. (2020). Fundamentals of choosing an LMS platform for distance learning. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, 348–353. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60926-9_45
Schön, D.A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books, New York.
Schunk, D. H., & Zimmerman, B. J. (2012). Motivation and self-regulated learning: Theory, research, and applications. Routledge.
Sibson L. (2008). An introduction to reflective practice. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 1(3), 121–125. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2008.1.3.42057
Sudirman, A., Gemilang, A. V., & Kristanto, T. M. (2021). The power of reflective journal writing for university students from the EFL Perspective. Studies in English Language and Education, 8(3), 1061–1079. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v8i3.19105
Suphasri, P. (2021). Reflective practice in teacher education: Issues, challenges, and considerations. PASAA, 62(1), 236–264. https://doi.org/10.58837/chula.pasaa.62.1.9
Susanti, A., & Pratama, I. P. (2020). Self-regulated learning skill to improve students’ writing competence for Junior High School. Proceedings of the International Joint Conference on Arts and Humanities (IJCAH 2020). https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201201.155
Terblanche, E. A. J., & De Clercq, B. (2021). A critical thinking competency framework for accounting students. Accounting Education, 30(4), 325–354. https://doi.org/10.1080/09639284.2021.1913614
Theobald, M. (2021). Self-regulated learning training programs enhance university students’ academic performance, self-regulated learning strategies, and motivation: A meta-analysis. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 66, 101976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2021.101976
Tobias, S., & Everson, H. T. (2002). Knowing what you know and what you don’t: Further research on metacognitive knowledge monitoring. College Entrance Examination Board.
Warrick, A. (2021). Strategies for reducing cognitive overload in the online language learning classroom. International Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 1(2), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.33422/ijsfle.v1i2.124
Xiao, Y., & Yang, M. (2019). Formative assessment and self-regulated learning: How formative assessment supports students’ self-regulation in English language learning. System, 81, 39–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2019.01.004
Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64-70.