Learning Logs

By Brittany DiNunzio

What are Learning

Logs?• Learning logs allow students to monitor and reflect on their own learning through writing. (Cadieux, 2012)

• These logs are usually kept in notebooks, binders or folders, so the logs are on-going and can be referred to.

• Learning Logs are usually presented in a printed template for students to fill in or questions to be answered in a notebook.

Example of a Science Learning Log

Example of a Reading Learning Log

More About Learning Logs• Learning Logs can be used in any grade level

and in any content area.• They encourage independent learning.• They keep students organized.• Learning Logs are completed at the end of a

lesson or at the end of the day.• They can include word wall pages for students

to add new vocabulary words.

Why Would You Teach Using Learning Logs?

• Learning Logs encourage students to discuss and share their thoughts about what they have learned.

• They are an easy way for teachers to assess whether or not a student understands specific concepts.

• They help build note taking and self-reflection skills.• They also build personal connections on what they

learn in school• Learning Logs Foster the “Writing to Learn” Motto!

How To Teach Using Learning Logs• There are many different ways to teach using

Learning Logs. Some examples include:– Reading Responses– End of Lesson Responses– Science Lab Logs– Free Write/Topic of the Day– Letter to the Teacher– Sequence Logs– KWL Logs– Content Learning Logs

Step by Step Instructions for using a Content

Learning Log1) Teach a lesson in any content area.

2) After finishing the lesson, give the students 10-15 minutes to fill in their content learning logs, including the questions:

I’ve been learning about…Knowing about this topic helps me…This topic reminds me of…The part I know the most about is…The part that is most confusing is…I’d like to know more about…

*Questions taken from Klingner & Vaughn, 1998

3) Read your students’ learning logs and make positive and encouraging comments.

4) Allow students’ responses to guide your instruction.

Ways Students Use Learning Logs

• Math: Write explanations for problems and solutions

• Social Studies: Write from an historical person’s point of view

• Science: Collect and record data • Reading: discuss literary elements or character

traits from a story

Using Learning Logs in Mathematics (Article)

By Margaret E. McIntosh and Roni Jo Draper

Key Points:• Teachers should read students’ learning logs to understand their

students’ thinking.• Teachers should leave responses on learning logs.• Teachers should write learning logs with students to model their own

thinking.• Article shows different examples of how students use learning logs to

explain their thinking for different types of math problems.

McIntosh, M., & Draper, R. (2001). Using Learning Logs in Mathematics: Writing to Learn. The Mathematics Teacher, 94(7), 554-557. Retrieved January 10, 2016, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20870796

References• Cadieux, C. (2012, January 17). Learning Logs Are Important Literacy Tools.

Retrieved January 10, 2016, from http://info.marygrove.edu/MATblog/bid/77519/Learning-logs-are-important-literacy-tools

• Klingner, J., & Vaughn, S. (1998). Using Collaborative Strategic Reading. Retrieved 2016, January 10, from http://www.teachingld.org/pdf/teaching_how-tos