Steve

Lara

Jennifer

Roles

Part time M.Ed.

Full time high school teacher

Full-time M.Ed.

Project done with Miss H.

Part time M.Ed.

Full time elementary teacher

Curriculum Area

Grade 10 Canadian History

Grade 7 Special Education:
Language Arts, Math, Social Sciences

Junior division:
Social studies and science

Starting Point

How can I improve student comfort level with their textbook?

In what ways can my students and I collaborate in order for the students to keep on task, with minimal disruptions, while changing from one subject to another?

Students are often off-task and not using their time efficiently.

Problem was not lack of motivation or a poor attitude, but rather 'being stuck' and not knowing what to do next. The students did not have the strategies or tools they needed to overcome obstacles.

Further Questions

How can I improve how students think critically / reflectively about what they are reading in their textbook?

1. How are the current classroom management strategies working in comparison to last year?

2. What do the students think of the current transition time strategies?

I looked at my values and beliefs.

Why is this off task behaviour such a concern? It is important for people to take responsibility for their learning and productivity in order to be positive contributors to our society.

What could I do as the teacher to help the students develop the skills needed to take responsibility?

Breakthrough

Occurred when I resorted to using the text illustrations to gather student opinions about the nature of policing / law enforcement in Canada.

For Miss H: Through consistent use of "my turn" to signal subject change, students were able to prepare for class changes with fewer disruptions than last year.

For Lara: Occurred when I was able to explain action research process to Miss H.

I have been using rubrics or checklists with the class that let them know exactly what they are expected to produce and how they can assess their work. It occurred to me that what was missing were plans to put in place when an obstacle arose.

New Practices

Designed a ‘preview’ sheet for students to use prior to reading portions of text focusing on illustrations and photographs only. Students were asked to identify one topic they found to be of interest, what sources they could use to research the topic. This would be basis for individual study.

1. The teachers say "1-2-3-my turn" to signal subject change.

2. A highlighter is used in students’ homework books to indicate incomplete assignments.

3. A thermometer reward chart records good classroom behavior.

4. Magazine holders at front of classroom organize student textbooks and notebooks.

Students filled out a comprehensive project plan. As a class we went over 18 different potential areas of difficulty and each student checked the areas that applied. Students chose one learning skill to improve

At the beginning of each project period the plan was looked at as a reminder of their goals and at the end of every period the students reflected on their progress in a journal. What I hoped to see were the students working and solving problems independently, remaining on task and referring to their plan as a guide.

Data

Information on the student preview sheets

1. Miss H. And Mrs. G. have made numerous observations in their classrooms this semester.

2. A questionnaire with nine questions was given to each student to answer regarding their views of the transition times this year and suggestions for the teachers.

Observations of student behaviors and video-tapes of project periods were made. A questionnaire was given to the students at the end of the project asking for feedback on the usefulness of the project plan. The responses in the daily journals and a written report on the learning skill on which the students chose to focus will also be part of the data.

Findings

New Knowledge

No student complaints or anxieties expressed.

Students appreciated being consulted

The "new practices" listed above are working very well for the majority of the students. This school year, there are far fewer discipline problems than there were last year.

From observations and responses to the questionnaire, many of the students seemed to benefit from planning ahead and considering obstacles ahead of time.However, two of the students I was hoping to see gain independence through this approach still required additional support and guidance.

Validation

Shared results of textbook survey with students

Shared findings of textbook preview with colleagues from EDUC801

1. Miss H. and I have shared her progress over phone conversations. In addition, I have observed her class personally and can confirm her observations.

2. I have shared also with my 801 course classmates and have received positive feedback from them.

My critical friend has followed the progress of the project and shared insights and similar experiences with her grade 7/8 students. We will continue to work together as I prepare my students to enter her classroom next year, with the hope that they can build on the skills they have begun to develop in grade 6.More time is needed and observations made before we can feel confident that this is the direction to take.

Next Steps

Develop a routine for students to preview each chapter and see which students attempt this independently.

1. A consistent reward system for completed homework and good classroom behavior needs to be established.

2. Having supplies at school and on their desks will become part of the new homework chart for students.

3. How can the students be motivated to complete their homework more regularly?

4. How can the students become more responsible for having all of their supplies at school?

At this age level and with the experiences the students brought with them to the project, the framework I provided helped them be fairly independent, responsible workers. The next step will be to customize the plan for those few students who lack the ability to overcome obstacles even when they plan for them. The advantage of the project plan is that it frees me to give more individual attention to those who require it. I feel I am on the right track but I still have more planning to do.