Notebook

Intro

The Notebook activity allows teachers to ask students a reflective question. Students can write their reflections probing their experience and develop them more thoughtfully.

Unlike the Q&A activity - where students' answers are shared with other students, the Notebook is for student's introspection and reflection.

Only the student answering the question can view their own answer - meaning that other students won't be able to see the student's reflection. However, the teacher can always view the student responses/reflections.

Why do I want to use Notebook?

1. To get students to reflect on an learning activity that might have just finished -

2. To get students on the habit of reflect on their own learning outcomes.

3. For students to provide constructive feedback on the learning process.

4. As teachers are able to read students' insights, teachers can provide timely feedback for each individual.

5. Notebook helps students participate in and take ownership of their own learning.

Educational Insight

Research has showed us that student's reflection right after they completing a task has positive effects in long-term recall and knowledge.

What can I use Notebook for?

Notebook is very useful to get students to describe their understanding, solidify their learning, how their perspectives have changed, and how it might relate to previous learning experiences.

Pedagogies that use Notebook: TBL, PBL, Inductive learning, Jigsaws, Enquiry based Learning, etc. All pedagogies should encourage students to reflect on their own learning journey.

How does it work?

You (teacher) provide students with a reflection question for the students to write their ideas or thoughts.

When students write their ideas or thoughts these can only be seen by the teachers. Teachers (optionally) can make suggestions or comments on the student's individual thoughts an a supportive conversation can be started.

Students are always able to come back to Notebook and continue writing their thoughts or continue the one-to-one discussion with the teacher(s).