What is a challenge of using journals as informal assessment in physical education?

• A. They can take away from physical time and be difficult to assess
• B. They are faster than other methods
• C. They require no feedback
• D. They always provide precise measurement

Answer: (A)

A key challenge with using journals as informal assessment in physical education is that they can take away from physical time and be difficult to assess. Reading and responding to students’ reflections or self-assessments demands substantial instructional time, especially in larger classes, which can limit practice and active participation. In addition, scoring journal entries is often subjective, requiring clear rubrics and consistent judgment to be reliable, which can be time-consuming for the teacher. Journals also don’t provide immediate or precise measurements of skill performance or fitness, making them less efficient for quick checks during or after a lesson. While journals offer valuable insight into students’ thoughts and learning, these time and assessment challenges are the main drawbacks.