1.1.5
Journals
Journals
Journals


How to use journals
How to use journals
- When using journals for assessment purposes, teachers might consider
substituting them for one of the weekly assessments.
- This signals to students that they should take the assignment seriously.
- Teachers may wish to use journals for writing assignments in non-composition classes, such as mathematics and science.


Grading
Grading
- Given the type of assignments Courtney tucks into the journal feature, she generally doesn't grade these with formal writing rubrics.
- She usually grades these journals as complete/incomplete, and make students revise it until it is complete.
- It is more important to ensure the work is done than having a summative assessment of the journals.


Importance of journals
Importance of journals
- Teachers may find that asking students to think about the content is difficult, especially during an online class, because teachers do not control the student’s environment.
- But, reflecting, or thinking about what happened in the past, connecting it to new materials, and rehearsing what you might do next time is one of the most powerful learning tools.


Keep in mind
Keep in mind
- Journal assignments are powerful because they run students up against their own
self-perception of their learning.
- They ask students to use metacognition, or thinking about their thinking.
- Teachers should remember that online students are working in isolation and only have themselves as a measuring stick.
- Therefore, teaching students how to use measurable, specific assessments for improving their own learning is a valuable skill.
1The Teaching Online Handbook
1.1Common Online Assessments
1.2Conducting a Synchronous Class
1.3Scheduling the Work
Jump to other topics
1The Teaching Online Handbook
1.1Common Online Assessments
1.2Conducting a Synchronous Class
1.3Scheduling the Work
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books