I have been using online learning journals with the kids in conjunction with the electronic notebooking. Thir notebooks will have a hyperlink to their online learning hournals and will be the record of the when and how of actual work done.

I found a great rubric for learning journals at http://ivc.uidaho.edu/mtpe/journrubric.html.

I think that I might use this one with the kids' learning journals. Here it is:

By Saturday night of each week you should react to

1. What did I learn this week about [insert subject here]?
2. How did I learn each key idea, concept, or practice?
3. How do I feel about what I am learning? What is the value of this content or way of learning for me? for my students?
4. What have I contributed to the other members of the learning community this week?
5. What have I gained from the other members of the learning community this week?
6. What questions do I have this week?
7. Additional comments and reflections?

Criteria for evaluating Journal entries

1. Number of questions responded to.
2. Regularity of journal entries.
3. Depth and breadth of content knowledge.
4. Synthesis of learning.
5. Reflection on knowledge and beliefs about learning.
6. Application to classroom use.
7. Identification of areas for personal growth and next steps.
8. Optional: Over the duration of this course, you may develop a criterion important to you for evaluating your journal that is not in the list above. It is your choice to bring this to the attention of the facilitators for consideration.

Rubric for Journals

To earn an A

1. Respond to the majority of the questions listed above each week and make additional comments. (Each question must be addressed at least once during the term.)
2. Make thorough and complete journal entries for at least 14 of the weeks.
3. Cite instances that demonstrate accurate content knowledge of Earth systems science and that relate to the week's activities.
4. Synthesize what you are learning with what you already know.
5. Reflect on how your knowledge and beliefs about learning are affected by what you are learning this week.
6. Apply what you have learned with students and analyze the effects.
7. Readily identify your own misconceptions, questions, weaknesses and areas for growth.

To earn a B

1. Respond to a least 3 of the questions listed above each week and make additional comments. (Each question must be addressed at least once during the term.)
2. Make comprehensive journal entries for at least 13 of the weeks.
3. Cite instances that demonstrate accurate, even if limited, content knowledge of Earth systems science and that relate to the week's activities.
4. Identify new learning and related prior knowledge.
5. Describe how you will use your new Earth systems knowledge within your knowledge and beliefs about learning.
6. Describe a classroom application of something you have learned this week.
7. Usually identify your own misconceptions, questions, weaknesses and areas for growth.

To earn a C

1. Respond to any of the questions above as it relates to the weekly lesson along with your own additional comments and reflections. (Each question must be addressed at least once during the term.)
2. Make complete journal entries for at least 12 of the weeks.
3. Cite instances that demonstrate accurate and comprehensive content knowledge of Earth systems science and that relate to the week's activities.
4. Make limited mention of what you are learning as it relates to what you already know.
5. Comment on changes in your knowledge and beliefs about learning.
6. Describe a classroom application of something you have learned that you would like to try in the future.
7. Occasionally identify your own misconceptions, questions, weaknesses, and areas for growth.