Checklist, Learning Logs, Journals

Checklist

There can be many different types of checklists used inside the classroom. You can have observation checklists, student progress checklists, and even skills checklists for special needs students. The most important in my opinion would be the progress checklist. This would be like the 2nd picture example shown below. As a student did an activity or lesson, you would check how they did. Doing this gives both you and the student a better idea of the areas which they may need to work on or are excelling in.

Learning Logs

Learning logs are a resource for both teacher and student. In the learning logs, the students record their responses to lessons and activities given by their teachers. Each log is a record of the child's thinking and learning. The logs are usually a visually oriented development of earlier established models of learning journals, which can become an important part of the teaching and learning program. These logs help turn the student into a more self driven learner. 

Journals

Using journal assignments in class are a great way to get children thinking deeper about not only what the lesson may be on, but also how that lesson may pertain to their every day life. You can have students write in a normal notebook, they may draw pictures to illustrate their journal entry, or you can give them journal worksheets which may have a certain topic which you want them to write on. Some journal entries can be specifically used for discussing classwork or assignments. Maybe the student is unsure of something they were asked to do and they can share that with the teacher via writing. Here are two samples and one sample idea I made:

History Journal Entry   This week we learned about FDR and his bout with Polio. In your journal entry share with me each of the following:   1 paragraph on what you found interesting 1 paragraph on something you were unsure about And 1 paragraph of something more you would like to learn which you read about in this lesson.

Ratings: If I was to rate each of these on a scale of 1-5 of importance to be used in the classroom I would rate them as follows-

Checklist- 4

Learning Logs- 4

Journals- 5

The reason I gave Checklist and Logs a 4 was because I do believe that they would be very helpful to both student and teacher, but I am a believer in journalism especially in the younger years. I believe sometimes students do not ask questions or bring up concerns because they are too nervous to speak directly, so writing can help them communicate even more-so with the teacher.