Hi Matthew:
Journals are a tool. Some teachers use them in their special way, others use them a lot, still, others don't use them at all.
I think the benefit is in the reflection over time or being able to refer back to something notewothy that was posted in the journal. But it's really up to the teacher if they want to take the time (and good journals do take a discipline of time)to journalize, even if it's on an occasional basis.
Regards, Barry
