I designed a system where there is room next to each "box" to write comments appropriate to that particular unit of competency, also using colour coding allows for a quick reference to check a student's progress at a glance. The sheet for each lesson is used as part of the debrief and the student signs that it is a true record.
I do get files transferred from other organisations which you can tell have been a "tick and flick" exercise and actually tell me no more than the logbook does about the student's flying progress. The students tell me they have never seen any of their training records.
Stinky Student Syndrome comes under NTS 1.5 Maintain effective communication & interpersonal relationships