Learning journals

What is a learning journal?

• vehicle for reflection

• links to diaries, logs, portfolios, workbooks &c

• ‘thinkbook

Why use them in assessment?

• deep, relational learning

• reflector and activist learning styles?

• learn from students

• personal development

• see learning as a process, not a product

 Strengths

• assess development over period of time

• interesting

• provide for students to develop a range of skills

• up to date material

• link theory and practice

• encourage observation, reflection, critical thinking

 Weaknesses

• can lead to too much‘busy work’

• time consuming to assess

• 'subjective'

• difficult to ensure focus

• what exactly has been learnt anyway?

 Strategies

• provide direction at outset

• provide feedback along the way

• use feedback sheet

• think about quantifying material

• to grade or not to grade?

• assess extracts

• peer assess

• assess material based on journal

• think about the effects of negative assessment

• do it early

Last updated 04 May, 2000 15:52 by Perry Share

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