Mookie's Journal Assignment

	JOURNALS

Assignments: Assignments will vary week to week. There will be a total of three (3) journals to be completed and turned in on each Monday at the start of class.

Length and form: Each journal turned in should be handwritten and be between one and two pages in length (one page = front and back). These journals are not required to be in essay format, but should conform to standard English grammar.

Note: While I would like these assignments to be somewhat personal, students should realize that these entries may be considered for sharing with the class.

Evaluation: Student grades will be based on a collection of criteria.

Relevance: Students are expected to address the assignment directly. While there are many opportunities for free thinking and open response within the curriculum, this assignment is meant to serve a clear focus.

Thoroughness: Responses, regardless of whether the task for the day is a written journal or some other means of expression, should evidence care and thought. In written responses, simple factual recording of events (unless that is the task of the assignment) will not receive as high an evaluation as one which clearly displays engagement on the part of the student. Although a minimum requirement of one written page is specified in the assignments, the word “minimum” will be stressed. I anticipate closer to two (or more) pages. Limiting responses to one page only will carry a penalty.

Form and Style: Journals are expected to follow standard conventions regarding sentence construction and variety, as well as effective vocabulary choices, etc. Students are held accountable for exercising standard English conventions of grammar, spelling, and usage where appropriate to the genre, implied audience, purpose, and degree of formality.

Preparation: Students are expected to have journals or related projects completed by the beginning of class on the date due. Lateness of more than end of class period carries a penalty.

Assignments:	Assignments will vary week to week. There will be a total of three (3) journals to be completed and turned in on each Monday at the start of class.
Length and form:	Each journal turned in should be handwritten and be between one and two pages in length (one page = front and back). These journals are not required to be in essay format, but should conform to standard English grammar.
Note:	While I would like these assignments to be somewhat personal, students should realize that these entries may be considered for sharing with the class.
Evaluation:	Student grades will be based on a collection of criteria.
	Relevance: Students are expected to address the assignment directly. While there are many opportunities for free thinking and open response within the curriculum, this assignment is meant to serve a clear focus. Thoroughness: Responses, regardless of whether the task for the day is a written journal or some other means of expression, should evidence care and thought. In written responses, simple factual recording of events (unless that is the task of the assignment) will not receive as high an evaluation as one which clearly displays engagement on the part of the student. Although a minimum requirement of one written page is specified in the assignments, the word “minimum” will be stressed. I anticipate closer to two (or more) pages. Limiting responses to one page only will carry a penalty. Form and Style: Journals are expected to follow standard conventions regarding sentence construction and variety, as well as effective vocabulary choices, etc. Students are held accountable for exercising standard English conventions of grammar, spelling, and usage where appropriate to the genre, implied audience, purpose, and degree of formality. Preparation: Students are expected to have journals or related projects completed by the beginning of class on the date due. Lateness of more than end of class period carries a penalty.

JOURNALS