Sharing joy and knowledge from an ordinary life

Learning Journals: student reflection

This term, I’m reviving a lot of strategies from their cobweb covered boxes in the loft. I often try things in the classroom, find them working and then put them away again. I’ve often reflected on such bad habits and found I became increasingly irritated by my behaviour. I have accepted to some extent that teaching naturally encourages experimentation in catering for different needs and classes but I still feel this desire to add some regular elements to my repertoire.

Some time ago, I began asking classes to record their learning every lesson in a learning journal. I have a series of posts coming up that will address the need for students to reflect on the learning process as much as the lesson content. In the meantime, take a look at what I’ve created, use it, adapt it and feel free to give feedback. If you want the editable version- please DM me on Twitter.

Students will each be given a small exercise book and they’ll complete it at the end of every lesson. I will try to leave a comment or mark to demonstrate that I’ve read it and I think this will be achievable once a fortnight. Some lessons, I will request that students complete the journal in a specific way. In other lessons, I will suggest that they select any one/two of the given options. 

Learning Journal Questions and Activities

My writing commitment: I’m learning to honour my thoughts. I’m learning that my words can be shared before I’ve connected all the dots or learned everything there is to know. My writing can be a snapshot of a single moment in continually-evolving time.

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Teaching

‘A great lesson starts at the door’

Week 2 of ‘Managing Behaviour for Learning‘ from Future Learn is focused on the importance of routines, boundaries and expectations. All teachers have them but