Use of Journals
Journals to be used once a fortnight in part of the lesson – as a continuation of the pupils’ reflection of their understanding and as a record of key points, methods and strategies.
The Maths Journal
The purpose of a Maths Journal is for pupils to keep a record of the things they have learnt in Maths and to reflect on their own learning. It is also to be used to collate reflections on tests and any self assessments done for interim reports.
They should be encouraged to make a note of any words, facts, examples ideas that are new to them and that they think would be useful to remember as they are working on a unit of work.
The following should be explained to the pupils in detail early in the year and then they should be reminded of the aims of the journal on a regular basis.
This is what they could do:
- For each unit of work they need to judge for themselves whether of not they have learnt and understood what is was the teacher wanted them to learn.
- Show what they can do by writing an explanation of the key points together with any examples that can show their level of understanding. They should make use of any colours, diagrams, learning maps or visual methods that they find effective.
- If appropriate, they could use the traffic light system of self assessment to make a note of the skills that they are confident with and make a note of anything they haven’t fully understood and try to remedy this situation as soon as possible. This method to be used also for analysing tests.
The following guidance may be of use for your pupils:
Your Maths Journal
Things to include in Your Maths Journal:
- Keywords and facts about the topic you have been doing
- Examples of questions that show you how to get to the correct answer
- Reflections on any work you have not understood. Use the learning objectives to help you
- Important facts that will remind you about the topic when you return to it at a later date
Here are some ways in which you can write your journal:
- Imagine you are explaining to a friend who has been absent what it is they would have learnt
- Imaging trying to explain the work to a younger brother or sister
- Use diagrams, colours, learning maps if they help you
- Think about what would be helpful to you if you were allowed to take the journal into a test
Remember to record your reflections and work in a way that can be understood.
Your Maths Journal
Things to include in Your Maths Journal:
- Keywords and facts about the topic you have been doing
- Examples of questions that show you how to get to the correct answer
- Reflections on any work you have not understood. Use the learning objectives to help you
- Important facts that will remind you about the topic when you return to it at a later date
Here are some ways in which you can write your journal:
- Imagine you are explaining to a friend who has been absent what it is they would have learnt
- Imaging trying to explain the work to a younger brother or sister
- Use diagrams, colours, learning maps if they help you
- Think about what would be helpful to you if you were allowed to take the journal into a test
Remember to record your reflections and work in a way that can be understood.