I'm a Toronto-based pianist, teacher, and blogger with an interest in the art of the piano in ensemble.
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Posted 3 years ago.
I clicked type directly to web site, but I still add notes on the pages of the pieces on which the student is working.
From my experience, most students find it difficult to remember to complete their writing assignments and doubt they would open yet another book, to find out what they should do (I could be wrong) but placing notes on the pages leaves it impossible for them to be missed (although I still hear. "I didn't see that". After which I ask, "So, what will help you to see it this week? Highlight; large flag; or a colored post it note?" They usually select one of the 3 options and usually don't forget again. :)
I do find that communicating to the parents, via lesson notes sent by email, does make them feel more involved and helps them understand what is happening at the lesson. Many parents never look at the student's books
Don't think that the percentage of teachers writing in students' notebooks is as low as indicated; I for one do both: writing in their notebooks and then also writing it down for myself, in the past few months directly into the laptop/website. But I feel it should also be in their notebook, which is what they have with them when they study at the piano.
I have designed an assignment sheet/practice log that has evolved over the years.
Next year's incarnation has the following on the front page:
To Do List
Practice Tips/Strategies cross referenced to the related task numbers
Lesson Performance Stats (to be filled at the next lesson) - think of the "completed level" screen you see in a video game, with the # hits you made, # combos, # items you picked up etc. It's to be used for the incentive program and give students/parents feedback that's easy to read.
The reverse side is what the student fills out - they're practice journal - # minutes practiced, what they practiced, parent's initials, what they have questions on, trouble with, etc. etc.
I like the idea of emailing the lesson notes, however, I have quite a few studio parents who only check their home email once a week.
I use my own personal website Message Center in addition to writing in my students' assignment journals to connect with them during the week. Sometimes that little nudge mid-way through their lesson week just see how their pieces are going or a particular technical study is coming along is a nice way to communicate that I care about my students outside of the studio.