The Learning Mindset Notebook: A 12-Week Reflective Journal for Language Learning
Satoko Kato and Mioko Yoshinaga
Print: Amazon
eBooks: PayHip | Google Books
Libraries and subscription: Perlego | Proquest
Sample pages: Google Books
For bulk discounts and class sets, please contact us: https://www.candlinandmynard.com/contact-us.html
eBooks: PayHip | Google Books
Libraries and subscription: Perlego | Proquest
Sample pages: Google Books
For bulk discounts and class sets, please contact us: https://www.candlinandmynard.com/contact-us.html
The Learning Mindset Notebook: A 12-Week Reflective Journal for Language Learning is a guided, hands-on companion for learners who want to take meaningful control of their language learning journey. Built around eight carefully sequenced principles drawn from psychology and reflective practice, this notebook leads learners through 31 structured activities that connect past experiences, present realities, and future goals.
Across the 12 weeks, the notebook integrates reflection with action through dedicated monthly, weekly, and task-planning pages, supporting learners in turning insights into concrete learning practices. Over three months, users are supported to develop motivation, self-awareness, effective planning habits, and well-being, while creating a personalized record of their learning journey that they can return to again and again.
Designed for independent use but equally valuable in classroom or advising contexts, the notebook helps learners move beyond good intentions to sustained, intentional action, transforming how they think about learning and how they live it.
Across the 12 weeks, the notebook integrates reflection with action through dedicated monthly, weekly, and task-planning pages, supporting learners in turning insights into concrete learning practices. Over three months, users are supported to develop motivation, self-awareness, effective planning habits, and well-being, while creating a personalized record of their learning journey that they can return to again and again.
Designed for independent use but equally valuable in classroom or advising contexts, the notebook helps learners move beyond good intentions to sustained, intentional action, transforming how they think about learning and how they live it.
Contents |
Supplements: Downloadable worksheets |
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Introduction
About the authors A personal commitment before you begin Living with your notebook Part 1: The Learning Mindset Program
Part 2: The Planner
Part 3: Further Reading |
(Scroll down)
Listen to an interview with the authors |
Based on the popular Transformational Notebook available in Japanese (Osaka University Press, 2024)
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Ideal learner workbook to accompany Reflective Dialogue: Advising in Language Learning (Routledge, 2016)
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About the Authors
Satoko Kato is an Associate Professor at the Research Institute for Learner Autonomy Education at Kanda University of International Studies, in Japan. She holds an MA in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a PhD in Education from Hiroshima University. As a learning advisor, she has conducted more than 4,000 advising sessions, supporting learners in developing autonomy and deep reflective awareness. Her research, publications, and professional practice focus on learner and teacher autonomy, advisor and teacher education, and the use of reflective dialogue to support both learners and educators.
Mioko Yoshinaga is a Professor at the Center for International Education and Exchange at the University of Osaka, in Japan. She completed her doctoral coursework at the Graduate School of Language and Culture at the University of Osaka and holds a PhD in Language and Culture Studies. She has extensive experience teaching Japanese to international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as in training programs for Japanese language teachers. Her research interests include applied linguistics and Japanese language education.
Testimonials
(Continuity and habit-building)
"I was not good at putting my thoughts into words, but this notebook helped me continue writing reflections through simple, regular records. My thoughts became more organized, and the way I approach learning changed naturally."
(Written reflection and verbalization)
"Through written reflection, my previously vague ideas about learning and life became surprisingly clear. What once felt like “it would be nice if this were possible” started to feel achievable. I experienced the power of putting my thoughts into words for the first time."
(Future orientation and motivation)
"By reflecting on my learning and imagining the future, I began to feel quietly excited about who I might become in three months. Written reflection and dialogue helped me organize my thoughts and develop a positive sense of anticipation."
(A new way of relating to goals)
"I used to think about goals mainly in terms of success or failure. Through this notebook, I realized that continuing to think, explore, and reflect, even while feeling uncertain, is itself an important part of the process. I was surprised to notice that I no longer look away from my goals."
(Well-being and self-understanding)
"I had never considered the relationship between learning and well-being before, so this perspective felt very new. Through written reflection, I became more aware of my thinking patterns and emotions and learned how to relate to them more gently."
(The power of questions and dialogue)
"By responding to reflective questions and engaging in written reflection, I learned how to express my thoughts more clearly. I still return to the “questions for yourself” pages again and again."
(Voices from teachers)
"The opening page, where learners make a declaration, makes a strong impact. The notebook is carefully structured to guide learners step by step, with clear and concrete tasks that are easy to follow. The three-month timeframe feels realistic and motivating, encouraging learners to give it a try."
"The notebook allows learners to directly engage with many of the activities and tasks introduced in Reflective Dialogue. It is an excellent resource that I would love my students to use fully. We are also considering how to adopt it at our institution."
"I was not good at putting my thoughts into words, but this notebook helped me continue writing reflections through simple, regular records. My thoughts became more organized, and the way I approach learning changed naturally."
(Written reflection and verbalization)
"Through written reflection, my previously vague ideas about learning and life became surprisingly clear. What once felt like “it would be nice if this were possible” started to feel achievable. I experienced the power of putting my thoughts into words for the first time."
(Future orientation and motivation)
"By reflecting on my learning and imagining the future, I began to feel quietly excited about who I might become in three months. Written reflection and dialogue helped me organize my thoughts and develop a positive sense of anticipation."
(A new way of relating to goals)
"I used to think about goals mainly in terms of success or failure. Through this notebook, I realized that continuing to think, explore, and reflect, even while feeling uncertain, is itself an important part of the process. I was surprised to notice that I no longer look away from my goals."
(Well-being and self-understanding)
"I had never considered the relationship between learning and well-being before, so this perspective felt very new. Through written reflection, I became more aware of my thinking patterns and emotions and learned how to relate to them more gently."
(The power of questions and dialogue)
"By responding to reflective questions and engaging in written reflection, I learned how to express my thoughts more clearly. I still return to the “questions for yourself” pages again and again."
(Voices from teachers)
"The opening page, where learners make a declaration, makes a strong impact. The notebook is carefully structured to guide learners step by step, with clear and concrete tasks that are easy to follow. The three-month timeframe feels realistic and motivating, encouraging learners to give it a try."
"The notebook allows learners to directly engage with many of the activities and tasks introduced in Reflective Dialogue. It is an excellent resource that I would love my students to use fully. We are also considering how to adopt it at our institution."
Supplements
Extra planner pages
Activity 1. Language Learning History (pp. 10-11)
Activity 18. Goal-Setting Pyramid (p. 64)
Activity 25. Language Learning Well-Being Measurement (pp. 87-91)
Publication details
Publication date: February 18, 2026
ISBN: 9798244543087
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47908/41
Print book, $19.99.
Ebook: $19.99.
ISBN: 9798244543087
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47908/41
Print book, $19.99.
Ebook: $19.99.