Learning Log Reflection #2

3 Things I have Learned

1) Being a teacher is much more than just reading out of a textbook and assigning homework. While taking notes and observing classes help, and each teacher I have watched has been a great model, there is much more involved. Looking through my Learning Log I think that a lot of the connections I make, and the understandings I have are because I not only watch teachers, but am learning to be a teacher. I have many different types of notes and each point I make would be another language if I did not have everything all together to connect them to.

2) I have learned (especially from last nights class) that there are a lot of "fun" ways to incorporate writing in class. Most of my education was based on product and not on process, but I am learning ways to grade on process as well as product. These are evident in my Learning Log when I write notes about how a specific activity could be more fun if the process was just as important as the product.

3) I have learned that there are multiple purposes of writing. They do not always have to be used for formal assessment and many times should be used just for students to get their ideas out on paper.

2 Questions I Have

1) How does my education of formal assessments and NOTE books differ from that of a student who uses a Learning Log and Writing and Thinking? I am learning the importance of a Learning Log over the traditional but I can't help asking, Did I Miss Out on Something?

2) I have always tried to make my notes as clean and organized as possible. After 17 years of schooling, I have my own style of note-taking that works for me. Through flipping through my Learning Log I have noticed that it is one of the most unorganized notebooks I have ever had. Is there a way to keep everything organized and still keep the "flow" of the multiple aspects? Is it something (like note-taking) that the student learns and perfects over time?

1 Goal for Future Learning

I never used a Learning Log until this Mega Class and at first I was very hesitant about using one. As time has progressed I am seeing the benefit of one but I still prefer the traditional notebook. My goal would be to incorporate a Learning Log into my own classroom. This way I can learn about my students while making sure they are learning the materials I want them to.

My other goal (I know it only asked for 1) is to try to add to my Learning Log on my own without being prompted my the teachers. Many sometimes I just need to stop and writ what I am thinking. That way I can look back and answer my older questions. I think that this will greatly benefit me as a learner and as a student.