I use a teaching journal to keep track of what is and not working with my students. Also included, are wonderful remarks or statements from students that I can use as examples in other classes. It is a great way to jog my memory and use if any incidences occur. Thank you.
Hi Bethanne:
Better teachers keep track of thoughts, ideas, improvements needed, resources desired, etc. Many track these in a journal or similar respository. To me, teachers who do this are committed to personal improvement and seeking optimal outcomes in their profession.
Regards, Barry
I find this to be such an invaluable tool. We are subjected to so many different scenarios and student personalities that the chances of us as instructors to recall that information for future use lessens as time progresses. My journal is like my right arm sometimes. I think of things outside of class sometimes that I have to jot down for future reference. There have been numerous occasions that I have been able to refer to my journal to problem solve or simply answer questions about past interactions. It's part of my instructor development plan. It makes me better at what I do.
Hi Tony:
Sounds like you use your journal as a "living document" more than a record of past thoughts. That's great. Maybe others do as well but you're the first to make reference to it here in these posts.
My classes are full and always have more than enough essential information to share. Even so, I add (post it) notes throughout my existing curriculum binder to remind me of improvements I want to add. Some of this becomes incorporated into the official curriculum, while other information is time sensitive, and loses it's importance after a time.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kate:
Teachers who journalize or keep notes recognize the benefits of making each succesive class a little better. Failing memory may a very small component, but I think good teachers are always thinking about how they could improve this or that, or try something different.
Personally, I use post-it notes or half sheets of paper inserted in my curriculum binder. That reminds me of past thoughts and improvements I want to make.
Regards, Barry
I do alot of different things to keep the students interested and focused on the curriculum. I'll talk about my expiriences, things that happen in the field, events, funny stories and anything else that will keep them on task. It is very important that I Know what story or event I'll talk about and at what point in the curriculum I'll bring it up. I would say it's like a Comedian's skill at timing and delivering a joke. This is one of the most important uses of my journal.
I guess I have come to an age where I don't remember as well as I used to --- so keeping notes is an important factor in my classroom success. If I don't write it down --- I will use the same powerpoint slide in the next class that I wanted to change. Or perhaps I have a better example that I want to show students --- keeping notes (I use a folder with copies of my slides for each lesson) helps me remember the key points that I want to highlight with students.
In fact, I even have a notebook for the holidays. What I served, decorations, menus - shopping ideas. I'm all for organizing my life to avoid less stress professionally and personally :-)
Hi Rachel:
Theser are good ideas and make a lot of sense. Many teachers do not use journals either because they are not aware of their usefulness, or they don't feel they have time, or maybe they've tried it and it has been less than successful.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marian:
Yes, and we can all use anything that helps our memories, eh? Personally, I use yellow post-it notes and lined paper inserted in the place in the curiiculum where I'll see it when I prepare for the class. Eventually, permanent material is added to the class notes.
But there is a lot of information that is current for a period, is relevant for a time, than sort of becomes less important. This is the kind of stuff that is more temporary. Also, I don't like to have to review numerous pages of personal notes to find "that note I made to myself". But everyone's different.
Regards, Barry
By having a teaching journal, it can help you keep on track of your stengths and where to develop your weakness. With the journal you could write down some of the students evaluation comments whether they be positive or negative. Also as you read on teaching methods in various books start to write down some of the suggestions in your journal so you can refer to them when certain situations may arise.
The journal will help in remembering what you did to make the improvements on.
Hi Carlos:
Yes, a teaching journal can be a helpful tool. I think it's use can an occassional, intermittent, or frequent occurence depending multipl factors that relate to the teaches view of the benefit they receive. Ultimately, it's a simple tool that can help make calsses better and techers more effective.
Regards, Barry
In order to improve in anything one must write down what worked as well as did'nt. The sooner the better otherwise it can be forgotten. The end result is an improved teaching style which gratly enhances education for all.I actually tell my students to do that for themselves as well in class and in there future job as I have done and continue to do.
Carlos
Hi Pricilla:
I think you're using a journal in a very appropriate manner. I hope it provides better classes for you down the road.
Regards, Barry
im able to notate ideas and activities along the way while or after i am teaching that i can use the next time i review the subject
Hi Edna:
That's great. I don't know many teachers that use a journal as frequently and thoroughly as you do - that's great, and hopefully beneficial for you in building your skills as an effective instructor.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rhonda:
Great. I use note cards and post it notes because it lets me place them in the section where a thought occured or a reminder to mention something or add specific information the next go around.
I do keep a notebook where I keep all my personal thoughts and information as a reference. Personally I don't find it helpful to have to read though many past pages to find some notation I made about a class observation. That why I just use cards and post it's. But that's just me.
Regards, Barry
Regards, Barry
A teaching journal will allow me to document what I have done for the day, good or bad, as well as how the students react to the delivery of the course materials. In addition, it is a tool where I can look back and assess where my strenghts are and the areas for improvement. I like to use the journal to note the facts and objective data of the day and nay follow-up that I would have done, if applicable.
A journal will help to reflect on what happened during the class. To determine if I was satisfied with the way I presented a lesson, what I could have done better or differently that may have been more effective. It's a great time to reflect and improve on my teaching.
Hi David:
Yeah, it's a good way to track thoughts, ideas, mistakes, - things you want to remember for the next class. Some teachers also reflect on how they feel about certain classes, or student responses. It's really a very effective but simple technique for teachers.
Regards, Barry
