Thinking Log Scoring Rubric
"A" Logs- Demonstrates in-depth and frequent entries. Entries
are often both directed and non-directed. Directed writing means those assignments
made specifically by the teacher; non-directed and frequently important
types of entries are those where the student is motivated by the desire
and need to write. These non-directed topics are not just for the topic
at hand. "A" logs also evidence a great deal of risk taking with
thinking and show the reader the thinker is willing to try out ideas and
syntheses of ideas on the reader. Entries in "A" logs are frequently
neat, polished, or "finished." This demonstrates a habit of thinking
that is reflected in the pride of workmanship. This is not to say that there
will never be unpolished and at times, cryptic entries, but the good log
writer frequently visits the log to "put it in order." Obviously
with the "A" log there is conscious attempt to pay attention to
spelling and other mechanics of writing.
"B" Logs- These logs also evidence both directed and non-directed
writing, but usually there will be found more teacher-directed writing in
these logs. What usually makes the difference between an "A" log
and a "B" log is the former show evidence of strong self-motivation
and the willingness to "go the extra mile." "B" logs
also show less interest in taking risks with their thinking. These log writers
sometimes seem to go for the minimum expectations to receive the decent
grade. "B" logs frequently will have comments by the teacher such
as : "not enough depth;" "needs more analysis;" or "you
have to cultivate the habit of writing more frequently." Writing frequently
and more in-depth begets more ideas and insights. "B" logs also
evidence that the writer doesn't revisit his/her writing to give it that
polish and finish that the "A" writer does.
"C" logs-These logs usually have little or no non-directed
writing and very little directed writing. They are frequently shallow in
their thinking because there frequently is simply not enough writing to
help the teacher judge. The writer seems to say to the teacher: "From
what I have given you, intuit what I do or do not know." This is dangerous
because it gives the reader/teacher power over the log writer. In other
words, the reader can intuit wrongly what the writer is attempting to say.
Frequently, this type of writer gets angry and claims that he or she doesn't
know what to write. "C" logs usually show no risk-taking with
thinking or none that is documented. Further, "C"logs demonstrate
little if any attempt to synthesize what the student is learning much less
thinking. These logs frequently are sloppy and thus indicate a habit of
mind that shows little concern about the writer's respect for his or her
thinking and writing.
"D" logs- These logs are always turned in late. Sometimes
there will be just a few scribbles or comments from what I call the "Ozone
Level." The only option here is a "D". These learners seem
to be indifferent to their thinking, therefore, the documentation of their
thinking is flawed or absent. Fortunately, these logs are very rare.
--used with permission, B.C. Hollister, Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy
Created by: Shelly
Peretz from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois.
Multimedia
Handbook of Engaged Learning Projects sponsored by
Fermi National Accelerator
Laboratory Education Office
and Friends of
Fermilab.
Funded by the
Midwest Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education based at the
North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL).
Last Updated: July 22, 1996
http://www-ed.fnal.gov/help/perez/log.html