You Don't Have to Be a Sheep

Journals are a mandated part of coop. Most students type a very traditional journal. They write one or two a week. They select a topic (either on their own or from a list of prompts that we email out to students every couple of weeks); tell us what happened; and then reflect on the growth they have demonstrated or what they have learned from it.
Some students get a little creative. They do some oral journals. One kept a blog of her experiences. One chose to hand write her journal as she felt it was more personal that way. Some students want worksheets to fill in. Some students keep daily records and then reflect on one item from the week. As long as there is meaningful reflection and open communication students have met the biggest requirement of the journal assignment. Reflection is personal - and demonstrates growth.
Journals are graded by levels. Any product a student creates that meets the criteria for honest meaningful reflection is evaluated on the same standard.
Any student is welcome to be as creative as they would like when trying journals. Just because we haven't yet read a script; watched a film; had a brochure or poster handed in doesn't mean we wouldn't welcome them! If this is a place a student wants to be creative - GO FOR IT!!