A student journal is an effective means of individualizing instruction for students involved in practicum learning experiences. Certain precise objectives, procedures, and guidelines for the actual observation and recording in the journal should be developed with the student prior to the initiation of the practicum. To maximize the amount of learning by the student, journal entries should include both the clinical observations and the analytical reactions of the student. The faculty member should provide guidance and prompt feedback to the individual student concerning the journal entries. Journals facilitate the individualization of instruction as the focal point of the practicum may be different for each student or each experience may be unique. Provisions for the reactions of the students further personalize the learning experience. Through the medium of journals, learning objectives in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains may be met and students write creatively, think independently, and examine their beliefs and values. A great deal of effort is demanded from the student and faculty member, but the quantity and quality of the learning tends to indicate that journals generate a high return for the investment. (Author)