Just to add, that learning logs do not put persure on children at all, we had a week to complete it in and it gave the teachers a good view on what we understood and didnt, and this is coming from one of thoses very children, the learning log was a great inspriation to alot of us and im greatful we got a chance to get involed in learning logs, it will help the kids who do LL to show the understanding they have of there work. Once agen well done to certain teachers. Alison Cross.

This was an inspriation on all of us that did this, i used to enjoy doing my learning log and it was such a good idea, its thanks to our year 6 teachers that we did well in our logs, mr bollock, mrs carter and miss lishman. Alison Cross

Doug
re your comments
1: The research is an MA dissertation (and is clearly headed as such) looking at the use of reflective journals in general which predates and was unrelated to the use of the learning logs. The article is there merely to give a context to this type of approach. It is not intended as a teaching aid to parents or anyone else but was put up for the most part to provide a reference point for anyone interested in investigating the technical background to the use of learning journals.
2: The learning logs were developed as an extension to high qualit y teaching approaches in order to provide an opportunity for children to undertake homework of a more creative and open-ended type than the old worksheet based approach.
3; The children in the original school were involved in the development of the process and they contributed significantly to shaping the development of the learning logs over time so this is not a top-down one size fits all quick fix solution
4: The aim of the site is to publish evidence of good practice. There is no element of 'preaching', merely sharing.
Graham

I liked your site.

Our children are being introduced to LL this term (January 2010). Our initial concerns and reservations about the practice of LL are being echoed by many parents we talk to. Reading the reasearch there does not appear to be any measured evidence demonstrating that this practice is of any benefit. I can only foresee, as commented below, that the gap between the more able and enthusiastic and the less able will grow exponentially. I would like to see some statistical evidence of this method of learning having some benefit before it is implemented. Please can you point us to some tangible statistics to support the theory. The research page written with educational psychology in mind is unhelpful to the average parent. If you are to provide information on this site it must be balanced or you will be in danger of preaching an unsound doctrine that is not widely supported. I will try and keep an open mind but the pigs outside are starting to unfurl their wings.

Great site, keep up the good work

My site: www.FotoTrix.com

Justine
I think you make a good point
first quality teaching, well formed positive relationships with the children and familes and a clear understanding of what approach is best for the school community as a whole is a prerequisite for successful learning.
Rgds Graham

Graham says...
I came back to this site whilst trying to show someone what I had written over 2 years ago (I don't think they believed me when I said LL were bad for my Children!). Was slightly taken back by the fact that the there was a response that had been posted as if it was a recent post. Anyway here is my update - having suffered LL's for at least a year and seeing the gap between the "best" kids in the class get much wider and the bullying get even worse. Yes bullying - some kids don't have access to the internet - some kids don't have parents that help (or should I say do) the homework for them and I could not stand by and see all these kids (not my own) confidence drop to ridiculously low levels. So we moved schools and what a difference 2 years make - our daughter is flying now, as is our son. Their current school asked parents for their views on LL's and I told them my experience of it. Turns out that a high percentage of other parents had similar views and preferred the more traditional ways of teaching. As one fo the top 5 schools in Yorkshire the teaching methods can't be wrong!
Justine
The whole point of learning logs is that they provide an opportunity for the children to express their understanding and it is essential that the work is examined and reflected back to the children by their teacher. As you say feedback is a critical element in this as in any learning. Without knowledge of results how can an individual move forward with any confidence. I would also wholeheartedly agree that the homework should be tailored to the child's needs and hopefully the learning log can do this. I am glad you are persevering with it
Rgds
Graham


My son aged 8 has just come home with a letter advising parents that these learning logs are to be used from January (already being used in school now). I am slightly worried that children will be under pressure to complete this log to the best of their ability and stress at not having enough time (staying up late etc.). I am also worried about some children who do not have supportive parents (yes they are out there). From experience, I actually interviewed a mum who did nothing but complain that she had spent 3 hours helping her son to make a rocket for a school project which she openly admitted infuriated her and had lead her to send her child to his bedroom and leave him there so she could calm down. At least the old way we could establish what the child knew not what some children (and helpful parents) are capable of completing with time and direction. I will just have to wait and see but somehow i am not too optomistic. I have 4 children 28,25,17 and 8, the three eldest have done brilliantly in school & uni, I wonder the outcome of this new scheme, why change something that already works unless this log is just to be an extension of the existing learning and not a replacement.

[/Graham]

hello