Mr. Rennie's Class

  The third week of my use of regular learning log entries has past but I am only now writing my reflection. The kids are doing a great job. Their reflections are getting more detailed and more thoughtful. I'm trying to get them to add pictures and other types of representations (webs, connections etc.) I am wondering how to evaluate the kids progress other than to comment orally to them about the improved quality and make suggestions.

  I've used them to start lessons by having the kids either read their entries or discuss them with a partner. This seemed to have the desired effect. The students were able to start right in to their math lesson on decimals and place value after the sharing. When we reflected on motivation and what each person is driven by, there were a variety of sources revealed. Most were motivated to do well in school by their parents or by grades but a few noted that it was a sense of self and pride in their accomplishments that spurred them on. By  reflecting on and  discussing issues as well as concepts and ideas, the students should become more aware of how they learn and what conditions lead to enhancing that learning. That is it for now.