Comparison between the first and final log entries indicate that learners are able to critically re- evaluate many of th
Learning Logs and Learning Journals What they are and how to write http://rapidbi.com/created/learninglogs-learningjournals.html What is a learning Log? One definition is - Diaries or journals kept by learners, which are used as tools for problem solving and progression. The emphasis is on reflection and the self-evaluation of learning, not simply on simply recording dates and lessons. By their very nature all journal writing must involve learning at some level The purpose of Learning Logs Is to help sharpen learners' ability to observe and document their learning, and to use the documentation for self-assessment and planning. Process: Learning logs are different from learning journals. Learning Journals usually focus subjectively on personal experience, reactions, and reflections. Learning logs are more documentary records of learners' work process (what they're doing); their accomplishments, ideas, or questions. They are a record of learning as it occurs. Teachers can use logs to determine what students are learning, where they are struggling, and how they need help. Determine what will be documented and why. Is the purpose to help individuals observe what they're learning? Name their questions? Chronicle their achievements? Where do you want to focus their attention? Model and discuss the kinds of documentation you are looking for. Clarify the criteria for unsatisfactory, satisfactory, and excellent entries, so that the expectations are clear. This will allow you to avoid misunderstanding a learning log full of one-word responses or lengthy entries. Build regular time for writing in your learning log, so that it becomes a predictable ritual. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Engage learners in discussion and sharing based on what they've written in their learning logs, so that their documentation can be used for a real communicative purpose (as well as a reflective one). Have learners self-assess their work based on their documented notes. What do they think they've learned? Where do they need more work? Examples of Learning Logs / reflective journals Name _____________________________ Date _____ Books I read _______ Comments _______ What we did on our project today ________ Comments ________ Next Steps _______ What we learned today _____ Questions I have ______
New words/ jargon/ abbreviations I learned _______ Where I can use these _______ What I worked on_____ Developing reflective learning skills Learning logs were found to serve as a valuable means of helping learners connect theory with familiar working practice and also enabled them to reflect on their own personal development over time. Comparison between the first and final log entries indicate that learners are able to critically reevaluate many of their initial assumptions about learning experiences. While the first log entries were characterized by skepticism and relativist attitudes to initial learning, the final entries indicate that many learners have learned the value of reflective style learning logs as a key part of the learning process. Are learning logs universally accepted? One of the problems of learning logs is the assumption that the individual likes reflective learning - as many of us know, this is not reality! Using a Honey & Mumford LSQ's one can target individuals with a preference for reflection first - gain some ground and then slowly start integrating it. The fact that most of the professional bodies have dropped attempts for members to keep a diary shows that as a strategy it is not a universal success. Learning Log 101 - Formats There are as many formats of learning logs as there are users of them. These include:
• • • • • • •
Lists Diaries Notes Mind maps Concept maps Blogs Wikis
As we are all different the most effective method or template for a learning log is the one that works for the individual. Organizations that have 'forced' one solution have universally failed. The best solution is to offer a range of methods to individuals, give them an exercise with each format, work with each and play with each - then leave it to the individual learning to either adopt one of the templates given or develop their own.
Learning Log Formats and templates Learning journal template 1 Your name date What did I read for this class (apart from notes)? And what grabbed my attention? What were three main things I learned from this class? What did I previously think was true, but now know to be incorrect/ wrong? What did we not cover that I expected we should? What was new or surprising to me? What have I changed my mind about, as a result of this class? One thing I learned in this class that I may be able to use in future is... I am still unsure about... Issues that interested me a lot, and that I would like to study in more detail Ideas for action, based on this class... What I most liked about this class was... What I most disliked about this class was... Other interesting facts I learned in this class...
Learning journal template 2 My Learning Journal Name: What are the key concepts I have covered?
A summary of what I have covered:
Things I am still not sure of:
What do I need to do to overcome these uncertainties?
Learning journal template 3 Date Description of event Short term implications Long term implications Feedback from others what will I do differently Notes
