The document discusses learning logs, which allow students to monitor and reflect on their own learning through writing. Learning logs are usually kept in notebooks and can include templates or questions for students to answer. They encourage students to discuss what they have learned, help teachers assess understanding, and build note-taking and self-reflection skills. The document provides examples of how learning logs can be used in different subjects and grades, and outlines steps for implementing content learning logs in the classroom.

1. Learning
Logs
By Brittany DiNunzio

2. 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.

3. Example of a Science Learning Log

4. Example of a Reading Learning Log

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. 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

8. Step by Step Instructions for
using a Content Learning Log
1) 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

9. 3) Read your students’ learning logs and make
positive and encouraging comments.
4) Allow students’ responses
to guide your instruction.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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