Using Journaling to Enhance Learning and Critical Thinking in a Retailing Course

Purpose of Study: This study describes a teaching innovation to enhance students’ critical thinking skills and learning of concepts taught in a Retailing course. Method/Design and Sample: This study tests the effectiveness of multiple journal submissions on exam scores which are designed to measure knowledge and mastery of retailing concepts. Results: Results showed that the innovation positively impacted students’ knowledge and mastery of material in the Retailing course. Students in a section of the course where the innovation was applied scored significantly higher on the three examinations administered over the course of the semester than students who did not participate in developing learning journals. Value to Marketing Educators: Instructional innovations that are designed to take students beyond rote learning and are focused on the application and integration of knowledge have tremendous value. The use of a Learning Journal in a Retailing course accomplishes these goals by enhancing students’ critical thinking skills.