Logbooks and Journals

Overview

Type of objectives	Conceptual understanding, skills, attitudes, interests, habits of mind, self-evaluation, thought processes, reflective thinking
Number of students	Large group
Teacher prep time	A single two- to three-hour time period for logbook or journal designing
Class time	Depends on the nature of the logbook or journal
Scoring time	Long
Scoring method	Analytic checklists, analytic holistic, focused holistic
Possible problems	Determining appropriate comparable scores, the purpose can be difficult for students to internalize; student frustration with long term record keeping, equating tasks, confidentiality
Possible values	Can view work over time; can invite self-evaluation; can equip students with a tool for lifelong learning; can furnish information for creative solutions to a variety of problems

Frequently Asked Questions

What are logbooks or journals?

Logbooks or journals are usually permanently bound records of original observations, quantitative data, and thoughts that are kept in chronological order. They include thoughts on a problem, possible solutions, pitfalls, and data. Logbooks and journals are a mandatory part of many professions and as such are highly reflective of the world of work. Many highly successful people keep a daily journal as a habit that supplies them with insight into their work. Unlike the exemplary portfolio, the logbook includes all work, including mistakes, sidetracks, and chemical spills.

How can the logbook or journal be used?

The logbook or journal can be used by the student to produce a final product of some type, such as a science report, an engineering design, a movie, an autobiography, or a fiction book. Using logbooks or journals in assessment requires that the student sees the value of the information in the book. Frustration among students can be very high unless the teacher ensures that the information present in the logbook or journal is used on a regular basis or serves a particular need for the student.

Since the logbook or journal can contain very personal thoughts and ideas stimulated by thought provoking questions, the teacher must make provisions for the confidentiality of this kind of work. Preparing for journal assessment is essential for the success of this form of assessment.

What must a teacher do to prepare for logbook or journal assessment?

Prepare a statement of the purpose of the journal or logbook for your students.
Describe how you will explain the use of the journal or logbook to your students and their parents.
Outline the criteria you will use for judging the journal or logbook and the method of scoring.
Prepare some criteria for parents and/or community members who might view the work.
Decide how to "sell" the use of your journal method to others. Be sure you are able to answer the questions regarding how assessment methods should be chosen.
Describe some of the possible weaknesses of your journal method.
List other assessments that will be required to complement the logbook or journal.