"It is hard to remember to read student observations"

The problem that students often have in making/writing their observations relates to the problem that teachers have in remembering to read and comment on student observations.

For some teachers, this will not be a problem because they assign journals anyway. However, even teachers that assign journals, usually do not read them but only look through them to make sure students are keeping up with them. Thus, for teachers new to the LRO, reading and commenting on student observations can be hard to remember and/or uncomfortable to do.

To help remember to read student observations, simply allow a few minutes at the beginning or the end of class (preferably the end when observations are still fresh) for students to work on their observations. Allotting such time will allow you to read and comment on some student observations.

If you are uncomfortable about reading student observations, remember that observations are different than traditional journal entries; if you clearly explain this to your students and they limit their observations to actual observations, then there is no reason to feel uncomfortable because you are not invading the students' privacy.