Log book; a method of evaluating education and feedback strategy in nursing

The use of evaluation is the most efficient way to improve the quality of education and among its major advantages are the improvement of morale and activity of participants and also the better justification of material and financial resources and education accompanying with evaluation. Evaluation is defined as the systematic process for collection, analysis and interpretation of information in order to determine the realization rate of the desired goals. For this purpose, the need for evaluation tools is felt. According to the classification of evaluation tools, log books are functional tests and used to assess the educational goals and learning outcomes of psycho-motor and cognitive areas. Log books are also called “personal educational records” which have been used at first in psychology, as a facilitator device for the recording and planning of education. Log books are used as a strategy for facilitating the feedback process and creative thinking during clinical education of nursing. The aim of this study was to examine the history of the use of log book, definitions, advantages, disadvantages, and its application as a feedback strategy in nursing. Due to the reduced distance between comment and clinic, log book can assist teacher and student reaching the educational and clinical goals and also it can provide feedback from student and teacher.