OK then here I go. I have the journal with me and am prepared for my two afternoon and evening classes. Let's see how they respond to my ideas tonight. More on this tomorrow!!
Abigail,
Great! Your proposed use of using a journal is perfect (for you) and I think you will find to whatever degree you use it, benefet will result at some later point. Good luck!
Regards, Barry
I have not used a teaching journal in the past but will begin to do so this coming Monday. Reading through the comments here I see several advantages to keeping a journal.
1. To keep track of ideas and resources from one module to the next. When I teach about syphilis I have used various items pertaining to the Tuskegee Experiment to elucidate several teaching points and some are better than others - some are better for some groups of students.
2. Some difficult students situations have flustered me so much that I have not had great responses to them at the time. Looking back on the situations I have much more insight into the structure of the event. I think that actually writing about it would be even more clarifying for me.
Hi Carroll:
Great! There are many tools available for teachers to help them with continuous improvement, and the journal is among them.
Regards, Barry
continous process improvement is a goal i set for myself. To achieve this goal a teaching journal is a necessary tool.
Hi Carroll:
Great! Reflection and reference on past classes is usually very helpful, as you've discovered. What works with one group may not not work with another. It's also interesting to store past journals (mine go back many years) to see how I looked at things back when, and also to reveal the growth as an instructional facilitator.
Regards, Barry
Hi Eddie:
Good comment - this shows what works or makes sense to you for documenting. The beauty of the journal is teachers can use it any way they choose, as long as they see value and benefit from it.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeff:
Good observations! When we speak of keeping a teaching journal, we are usually touching on ideas that would help "only the instructor". Here, you've pointed out another great use of these tools, that of keeping track of individual student progress, then showing that student (if need be) your thoughts on strategies they might employ to be more successful in class.
Excellent!
Regards, Barry
Hi Audrey:
Exactly! The journal can reveal this notion - "gosh, that didn't work as well as I thought", or "gosh, that worked really well!".
Regards, Barry
Hi Janelle:
What many don't realize is that this type of tool can be used to make improvements in both our strengths and weaknesses.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeanie:
Journals are potential tools for teachers. I say potential because they are only what the teacher uses them for. If there is perceived value, a teacher can model their notes in any way they choose. They have to see the value in it, otherwise it's just and empty exercise for them.
Regards, Barry
I teach automotive technical classes in three week sections, different students every 3 weeks, i keep the journal to be sure i do not miss anything, to evaluate how long a topic takes with different groups, this helps me to continually update my class to meet the student needs.
It gives the teacher a reference of what has worked in a class and also what they can improve on. It also works as a map of the class a teacher can use to stay on track.
It can help you by keeping you organized and prepared!
Hi Tara:
Good for you. Teachers that journalize do find that keeping a running record of their activities, notes, observations, improvements needed, or special successes can be a great tool. Sometime things come up in a class (like an "aha moment") and noting that in a journaul can be helpful later on.
Regards, Barry
I am a new teacher and I am finding that a journal is very helpful. I can track what methods work for me and those that do not.
Hi Makila:
Good for you. Although tracking progress is an excellent use, there are many others. The key is for the teacher to find value in regualrly journalizing what they feel is important. Refelction and/or review at some future point is quite beneficial and sometimies motivational - but one has to experience it by doing in order to realize the value.
Regards, Barry
I believe that using a teaching journal will help me realize my progress, similar to a prayer journal. I can keep track of the goals I have st for myself and the classes I teach. I can also use it during self evaluations required by my school. I never thought of using one. Now, I think I will.
Thanks
Hi Miriam:
You've touched on many of the benefits of using a journal. I should say here is no one right way to approach journal use. It can be a record, a diary, a reference, or as you state, as resources to refer back to for what works and what needs work.
Regards, Barry
A teaching journal gives you a method to track your progress. Each time material is presented students will respond differently based on their personalities and your method of presentation. Keeping a teaching journal can help you to avoid mistakes in the future and to emphasize imortant topics in class. You can refer to your teaching journal to repeat your successes and avoid your mistakes.
