I don't use a "teaching journal" but I do make notes on the side of my power points that I use for class. Since I teach the same classes each quarter, these notes help me when it is time to teach. Or I will leave myself notes in the text book that I have written on yellow note paper. This works best for me.
it will help keep me organized and be able tp plan ahead for previous class activities and lectures
For me, keeping a journal is the ultimate reflecting tool. As I approach a lesson, I look back in my journal to see how my lesson went the previous semester. I look at how I presented the materials and how the students did with that method. It helps me to look at my notes so I can change and improve things that didn't work as well. I also record topics and presentations that are well received so I can keep them in my lessons.
By letting you know which lessons were effective and which were not. It makes it easier to compare what you did or did not do with those lessons in order to improve the less effective oens. It also helps to evaluate how your class learns and applies the information given. Each class will have a different dynamic and may require different types of lessons.
It will help to ensure that you do not repeat material
Hi Karen:
I agree with the importance of student observations, comments, and performance. If this were a diary, it might be like commenting on a toddler lerning to walk and the process leading to "mastery". Of course, most teachers comment about their own feelings, comments, observations, planning, etc. But student comments can have a place as well.
Regards, Barry
Hi Wendy:
Chronological jorurnalizing is helpful if that works for you. I've found teachers use journals for all types of reasons, such as narrative, choronological, reflective, phiolosophical, student oriented, personal-oriented, critique based, curriculum-based, among many other versions.
What is good is each teacher decides what works for them. It's great to look back and review comments. These usually reflect growth, even if it's in the form of "wow, I said THAT?". That's growth!
Regards, Barry
Using a teaching journal can be especially helpful if you go back and make entries after you have taught the lesson regarding, what went wrong, as well as what went right? Also making note of action items, can be used as a lead in for class the following day. You can also make not of items that you did not cover in your lesson plan, and inlcude these items in your discussion the next time you present the lesson. I also find that students provide brilliant examples that can also be journalized and referred to when presenting information again.
Hi Cheryl:
Good purpose. Teachers memorialize all kinds of information in their journals. Some are chononological records, some more philosophical or reflective, some are planning aids, or a combination of these and other information.
Like a diary, the thoughts are personal but are helpful when a teacher reviews their notations at some point in the future.
Sometimes, if reveals growth made and otherwise unnoticed.
Regards, Barry
Using a journal is great when you are going to be teaching the same class again. I write down notes after class as to what went right/wrong, how it can be fixed for the next term. It's a great way to document timelines...did you stay on course. Did you have extra time to go over other topics, etc.
I would like to implement a teaching journal to clarify my thoughts on what "works" for that lesson plan, and what did not "work" for the students. I hope to hone my material and skills when I review the journal at the end of the quarter/semester.
Hi Jeffrey:
Some teachers like to reflect on other aspects, such as comments students made, how they feel about the topic, why students behave certain ways. In many cases, nothing will ever change - except the teacher when they read their comments months or years later. There, they'll see the growth.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kelly:
Teachers use journals different ways and for different purposes. You've found a way that works for you - great!
Regards, Barry
Taking the time to reflect on instructional methods and to consider how students responded to instruction is so helpful in determining how to improve. Without journaling it is too easy to get into a routine without realizing what methods worked and what did not. Keeping a journal helps me to be more effective for my students.
This is a good tool to track what was good or bad in your class, in order to make changes.
Taking the time to make a few notes about what worked and what didn't work during the lecture / lab can greatly improve future preparation. Things that worked can be repeated and refined; things that didn't work can be jettisoned or reshaped as appropriate.
An effective journal will require not only an honest assessment of how the class facilitated learning, but force me to look at my personal interactions and assess how they impact the learning process
Hi Grace:
You are right. Each class is like a mini-lab where we learn from our experiences (good and bad), and by that, become better teachers as we reflect on whats working and what needs work.
A teaching journal is a perfect tool for that purpose.
Regards, Barry
I think each time you teach you learn what works and what does'nt using a teaching journal, It also helps you to keep organized .. Grace Haines DHCE National College Ohio
Using a teaching journal enables instructors to consider the flow of class sessions, to look at how students responded, and reflect on how instructional methods affected student learning. Through this reflection, instructors are able to analyze what works and how to make improvements.
