Reflective journals can really improve how students are assessed in schools. They help students think deeply and understand themselves better.

First, reflective journals help students reflect on their own experiences. For example, when a student works on a project, they can write in their journal about their thoughts, feelings, and any problems they face along the way. This creates a story that shows not just the final project, but also the learning process and how they grew as a person.

Second, these journals encourage students to think about their own thinking, which is called metacognition. By looking at their learning experiences, students can discover how they learn best. This is important for assessments because it changes the focus from just completing an exam or project to really understanding the learning journey. For instance, if a student thinks about what helped them succeed, they can use that knowledge in future assignments.

Also, reflective journals can help teachers evaluate students better. Traditional assessments, like tests, often only show how well a student can remember information. But journals give more context. They can reveal struggles that a simple grade might miss. This way, teachers can give personalized feedback that reflects both the student's academic work and their personal insights.

Finally, using reflective journals encourages a culture of ongoing improvement. Students learn to see their growth as a process that never really ends, instead of just a finish line.

In short, reflective journals make assessments richer by promoting self-reflection, encouraging deeper thinking, helping teachers evaluate students thoroughly, and fostering a mindset of constant improvement. By using these journals, students and teachers can better understand learning experiences and results.