One format for the student written journal in an interpersonal communication theory course uses three components--classroom journals, reading journals, and listening journals--to develop students' skills as competent communicators. Student journals can provide a format for learned skills and awareness which may be applied creatively, critically, and analytically so that students leave the interpersonal communication class with both the practiced tools of competent communicators and further developed thinking skills. In these journals, students take ideas, concepts, quotes, and theories that have personal meaning to them, discuss these concepts, critically analyze the elements of interpersonal theory, and creatively apply these to their personal and professional experiences. The purpose of this format of journal writing is to provide the student with an arena and context for developing communication skills. (PRA)