DEFINITION
Learning logs are types of personalised learning resources for learners whereby learners keep records of their responses to challenges during learning. A log is a unique record of how a particular learner thinks and learns (Wikipedia, online). It can also be considered as a written response to study materials or response to other texts such as speeches, research notes, lecture notes, vocabulary, or questions.
WHAT DOES IT REPRESENT?
The learning log is the record of comments made by a learner during his or her course of study in order to keep track of his or her learning activities. It provides a clear line of the learning process to the learner and the educator on the course under study. The entries are frequently made, and are dated.
PURPOSE OF LEARNING LOG
The purpose of keeping such a log is to keep track of what a learner is doing and how the work progresses. It also tracks the time spent, materials collected, challenges faced and routine of the learner. In addition, it tracks the quality of materials researched, found and compiled.
THE USE OF LEARNING LOG
The learning log is used to make regular entries about a learner's readings, views on topics studied, links that are followed, useful and meaningful resources found, new concepts found and list of new terminologies the learner comes across. In this way, the learning log assists the learner to reflect on all of the information gathered and put together for his or her own understanding. In fact, a learning log should become a record of a learner's entire journey of learning process. Learning log can be used to plan one's studies and revisions ; compile or draw questions for educators; make notes that will help during essay writing, preparing for examinations, previewing and reading texts in depth; record reading and reflections on progress, challenges and ways that can be used to resolve them.
ADVANTAGES OF LEARNING LOG
Learning log as a reflective activity, improves on learning in a number of ways. It assists learners to identify what they have learned, areas in which they need to improve, become more active and knowledgeable learners. Learners tend to organize their learning activities, identify and search for what it is that they are trying to learn. This awareness allows the learners to see a purpose in the activities required of them in all learning environments which leads to an overall understanding of what the particular lesson is all about.
CONCLUSION
The views above show that learning log is of great importance during the learning process of any learner who wants to learn effectively, meaningfully and effeciently based on the fact that it keeps track of activities during a learning process.
REFERENCES
Teacher Activity Bank: Journaling-Learning Log Retrieved from http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/SCORE/actbank/tlearnlog.htm May 19, 2006
Murdoch University. (2004). Study Help - General Study Skills. Retrieved from
Wikipedia, The free encyclopedia. Learning logs. Retrieved from
