Monday, April 20, 2009
Action Research Addiction
One thing I do really like about an action research project is even when you are not working on it ideas tend to pop into your head. While I was out pounding the pavement in the Waldronville sunshine (trying to burn off all the chocolate I ate over Easter) I had another idea for my research. When I was surfing the net last night I found a typical outline of a written book report on penguins. I thought I would get my reading group to complete this penguin report and rate their enjoyment. The next day I would get the children to podcast the penguin book using Kidpix and rate their enjoyment of this activity. I would then compare their ratings and comments, as well as the quality of the information they reported.
Cluster Maps
I have just added a Cluster Map to my blog. This tracks any visitors to your blog on a world map. If you are interested in adding one to your blog check out the following site: http://clustrmaps.com/getone.php
Book Reports & Podcasting
I have just found an article about turning book reports into podcasts. I know that Jane Nicholls is an expert on this. I will email her tomorrow and she what pearls of wisdom she can offer. I will share this with you soon.
The Evils of Book Reports
Whilst surfing the web tonight I found a great article titled "The Evils of Book Reports" written by Dr Scott Mandel in Los Angeles. Obviously from the title of her article she disagrees with the idea of a traditional book report. The reasons she gave are as follows:
• "A MAJOR GOAL OF MOST TEACHERS IS TO GET STUDENTS TO ENJOY READING.
• ALMOST EVERY TIME A BOOK IS ASSIGNED, THE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WRITE A REPORT
• STUDENTS HATE BOOK REPORTS
• STUDENTS ASSOCIATE BOOK REPORTS WITH READING
• STUDENTS DO NOT VOLUNTARILY READ"
She believes that reading needs to "become a pleasurable experience--not one associated with a dreaded "book report"!"
I agree with Dr Mandel as one of the main aims of the reading programme in my classroom is to foster enthusiasm for reading and a love of books. Reading needs to be pleasurable and fun.
One of Dr Mandel's suggestions which she has successfully used in the classroom is to:
• "Start a classroom "card catalogue". After each student reads a book, he/she makes a card with a short summary for other students in the class to read. This is an easy way to check on the students reading!"
I thought this was a great idea but I would modify it slightly for my classroom. I thought I may trial a wiki of our favourite books. Therefore the children could write about their books and share them with others. Thanks for the inspiration Dr Mandel!
If you are interested in reading this article it can be found on the "Teachers Helping Teachers" website at the following address:
http://www.pacificnet.net/~mandel/LanguageArts.html (Or click on the site under Miss B's Useful Links)
• "A MAJOR GOAL OF MOST TEACHERS IS TO GET STUDENTS TO ENJOY READING.
• ALMOST EVERY TIME A BOOK IS ASSIGNED, THE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WRITE A REPORT
• STUDENTS HATE BOOK REPORTS
• STUDENTS ASSOCIATE BOOK REPORTS WITH READING
• STUDENTS DO NOT VOLUNTARILY READ"
She believes that reading needs to "become a pleasurable experience--not one associated with a dreaded "book report"!"
I agree with Dr Mandel as one of the main aims of the reading programme in my classroom is to foster enthusiasm for reading and a love of books. Reading needs to be pleasurable and fun.
One of Dr Mandel's suggestions which she has successfully used in the classroom is to:
• "Start a classroom "card catalogue". After each student reads a book, he/she makes a card with a short summary for other students in the class to read. This is an easy way to check on the students reading!"
I thought this was a great idea but I would modify it slightly for my classroom. I thought I may trial a wiki of our favourite books. Therefore the children could write about their books and share them with others. Thanks for the inspiration Dr Mandel!
If you are interested in reading this article it can be found on the "Teachers Helping Teachers" website at the following address:
http://www.pacificnet.net/~mandel/LanguageArts.html (Or click on the site under Miss B's Useful Links)
Current Student Achievement
STUDENT A
Age (1/1/09): 7 yrs, 4 mths
Probe Reading Level: 11.5 yrs
STUDENT B
Age (1/1/09): 7 yrs, 4 mths
Probe Reading Level: 12.5 yrs
STUDENT C
Age (1/1/09): 7 yrs, 6 mths
Probe Reading Level: 9 yrs
STUDENT D
Age (1/1/09): 7 yrs, 3 mths
Probe Reading Level: 9.5 yrs
Age (1/1/09): 7 yrs, 4 mths
Probe Reading Level: 11.5 yrs
STUDENT B
Age (1/1/09): 7 yrs, 4 mths
Probe Reading Level: 12.5 yrs
STUDENT C
Age (1/1/09): 7 yrs, 6 mths
Probe Reading Level: 9 yrs
STUDENT D
Age (1/1/09): 7 yrs, 3 mths
Probe Reading Level: 9.5 yrs
Students involved in my study
I have decided that four children will be involved in my action research project. For the purpose of this study they will be know as:
STUDENT A
STUDENT B
STUDENT C
STUDENT D
STUDENT A
STUDENT B
STUDENT C
STUDENT D
New Title
The new title for my action research project is:
PS If you want to make a fancy heading like this check out Webfetti on Miss B's links (click and it will take you right there) or if you want something a bit plainer try Cool Text.
PS If you want to make a fancy heading like this check out Webfetti on Miss B's links (click and it will take you right there) or if you want something a bit plainer try Cool Text.
Inspiration
In 2007 I went to the Ulearn Technology Conference in Auckland. It was a very valuable professional development experience. During my time at the conference I went to a fantastic session taken by Allanah King. Her session was titled "More Bling for your blog". Remembering this gave me inspiration for my current action research. I was thinking about reading activities used by teachers. The idea of a traditional book report came to mind. I then came to the conclusion that I wanted the children to complete "Book Reports with Bling". Therefore, keeping the important elements of book report but adding interest and "bling" through technology.
New Plan
During staff meeting I created a new action research plan. Here is the slimmer version:
ICT ACTION RESEARCH
SMART Goal Setting
Name: Natalie Barnett Date: 25 March 2009
Specific Teaching and Learning Area: Reading
Area of Interest: Gifted Learners and ICT
Goal: To extend the learning opportunities for my gifted readers by teaching them to record their responses to books using ICT
Which area of teaching and learning are you focusing on? What is your specific goal?
Measurable
• Record observations, ideas and reflections using a personal blog
• Children’s achievement level will be measured using Probe reading testing.
• Children’s interest and knowledge of technology will be assessed by completing a survey.
• Initial digital work samples will be taken.
• At the end of the teaching period Probes will be repeated, latest work samples compared with earlier ones and the survey will be completed again.
How are you going to keep a record of your observations, actions and reflections?
How will you measure where the children are at currently?
How will you measure any changes?
Action Plan
1. Create learning blog for myself.
2. Brainstorm ideas and add to blog.
3. Probe test to assess children’s reading level.
4. Survey the children to assess children’s interest and knowledge of technology.
5. Introduce children to Kidpix programme. Keep work samples.
6. Teach children to use the following ICT tools: digital camera, Kidpix, Powerpoint
7. Integrate new ideas into the reading programme.
8. Repeat testing and work samples. Analyse and compare
9. Present ideas and findings of my action research.
What key steps will you take? Each step will take you closer to achieving your goal?
What is your first step? ( where the children are at)
What is your first step? ( action to change or improve)
Realistic
• Kidpix on my laptop, computers in the computer lab and the classroom computer
• Adapting knowledge of Mac programmes to using PC programmes
• Small group (4 children)
• Helpers (past colleagues: Jane Nicholls & Esmay Sutherland), Desa, Keith
• Time available – two terms
• Regular computer lab time (Thursday afternoon)
List the things you’ll need
Don’t plan things that will be difficult to achieve. Think about:
- the availability of equipment
- your skills at the moment
- the time available.
- who will help you?
- size of group
Timeframe
Term 1
• Brainstorm possible topics
• Decide on a issue I want to investigate
• Formulate research question
• Decide on children involved in the study
• Construct an Action Research Plan
• Create a learning blog
• Collect student data
• Collect student voice information (survey of personal use of the internet, knowledge of programmes etc)
• Complete professional readings
• Complete professional dialogue with colleagues
Term 2
• Plan new activities to be introduced
• Teach new programmes/activities
• Implement ideas into the daily reading programme
• Collect data from students (achievement level, survey of knowledge & enjoyment of new tasks)
Term 3
• Analyse data
• Publish and share findings
1. When do you plan to start work on this goal?
2. What is your plan for ongoing work? (e.g. Every Friday morning)
3. What extra time can you put in? (e.g. at home)
4. What is the completion date?
5. What date will you reflect and assess the work?
6. When will you be presenting the goal, outcome and the evidence to your peers?
ICT ACTION RESEARCH
SMART Goal Setting
Name: Natalie Barnett Date: 25 March 2009
Specific Teaching and Learning Area: Reading
Area of Interest: Gifted Learners and ICT
Goal: To extend the learning opportunities for my gifted readers by teaching them to record their responses to books using ICT
Which area of teaching and learning are you focusing on? What is your specific goal?
Measurable
• Record observations, ideas and reflections using a personal blog
• Children’s achievement level will be measured using Probe reading testing.
• Children’s interest and knowledge of technology will be assessed by completing a survey.
• Initial digital work samples will be taken.
• At the end of the teaching period Probes will be repeated, latest work samples compared with earlier ones and the survey will be completed again.
How are you going to keep a record of your observations, actions and reflections?
How will you measure where the children are at currently?
How will you measure any changes?
Action Plan
1. Create learning blog for myself.
2. Brainstorm ideas and add to blog.
3. Probe test to assess children’s reading level.
4. Survey the children to assess children’s interest and knowledge of technology.
5. Introduce children to Kidpix programme. Keep work samples.
6. Teach children to use the following ICT tools: digital camera, Kidpix, Powerpoint
7. Integrate new ideas into the reading programme.
8. Repeat testing and work samples. Analyse and compare
9. Present ideas and findings of my action research.
What key steps will you take? Each step will take you closer to achieving your goal?
What is your first step? ( where the children are at)
What is your first step? ( action to change or improve)
Realistic
• Kidpix on my laptop, computers in the computer lab and the classroom computer
• Adapting knowledge of Mac programmes to using PC programmes
• Small group (4 children)
• Helpers (past colleagues: Jane Nicholls & Esmay Sutherland), Desa, Keith
• Time available – two terms
• Regular computer lab time (Thursday afternoon)
List the things you’ll need
Don’t plan things that will be difficult to achieve. Think about:
- the availability of equipment
- your skills at the moment
- the time available.
- who will help you?
- size of group
Timeframe
Term 1
• Brainstorm possible topics
• Decide on a issue I want to investigate
• Formulate research question
• Decide on children involved in the study
• Construct an Action Research Plan
• Create a learning blog
• Collect student data
• Collect student voice information (survey of personal use of the internet, knowledge of programmes etc)
• Complete professional readings
• Complete professional dialogue with colleagues
Term 2
• Plan new activities to be introduced
• Teach new programmes/activities
• Implement ideas into the daily reading programme
• Collect data from students (achievement level, survey of knowledge & enjoyment of new tasks)
Term 3
• Analyse data
• Publish and share findings
1. When do you plan to start work on this goal?
2. What is your plan for ongoing work? (e.g. Every Friday morning)
3. What extra time can you put in? (e.g. at home)
4. What is the completion date?
5. What date will you reflect and assess the work?
6. When will you be presenting the goal, outcome and the evidence to your peers?
Draft Action Plan
Action Research Project Action Plan
Name: Natalie Barnett Class Level: Year 1-3 (Model 2B)
Topic: Using ICT with Gifted Readers
Question: How do I extend gifted readers through the use of ICT?
Focus:
Using the web to locate information (eg websites, wikis, blogs)
Using graphic organisers to process information (eg Mindmaps, PMI, KWL, Venn Diagrams etc)
Using computer programmes to present information (eg Kidpix, Powerpoint, Garageband)
Support/Resources:
Professional Readings
Professional Dialogue with Colleagues (Disa, Keith, Esmay, Jane)
Observation of reading programmes for gifted readers
Time Frame: 2009
Term 1
• Brainstorm possible topics
• Decide on a issue I want to investigate
• Formulate research question
• Decide on children involved in the study
• Construct an Action Research Plan
Term 2
• Complete professional readings
• Complete professional dialogue with colleagues
• Observe in other classrooms
• Collect student data
• Collect student voice information (survey of personal use of the internet, knowledge of programmes etc)
• Plan new activities to be introduced
Term 3
• Teach new programmes/activities
• Implement ideas into the daily reading programme
Term 4
• Continue with revised reading programme
• Collect data from students (achievement level, survey of knowledge & enjoyment of new tasks)
• Analyse data
• Publish and share findings
Group Size: 4 children
Name: Natalie Barnett Class Level: Year 1-3 (Model 2B)
Topic: Using ICT with Gifted Readers
Question: How do I extend gifted readers through the use of ICT?
Focus:
Using the web to locate information (eg websites, wikis, blogs)
Using graphic organisers to process information (eg Mindmaps, PMI, KWL, Venn Diagrams etc)
Using computer programmes to present information (eg Kidpix, Powerpoint, Garageband)
Support/Resources:
Professional Readings
Professional Dialogue with Colleagues (Disa, Keith, Esmay, Jane)
Observation of reading programmes for gifted readers
Time Frame: 2009
Term 1
• Brainstorm possible topics
• Decide on a issue I want to investigate
• Formulate research question
• Decide on children involved in the study
• Construct an Action Research Plan
Term 2
• Complete professional readings
• Complete professional dialogue with colleagues
• Observe in other classrooms
• Collect student data
• Collect student voice information (survey of personal use of the internet, knowledge of programmes etc)
• Plan new activities to be introduced
Term 3
• Teach new programmes/activities
• Implement ideas into the daily reading programme
Term 4
• Continue with revised reading programme
• Collect data from students (achievement level, survey of knowledge & enjoyment of new tasks)
• Analyse data
• Publish and share findings
Group Size: 4 children
2009 Action Research Topic???
What to choose for my topic, now that is a difficult question! Possible topics that I am interested in are:
* Gifted children
* ESOL children
* Learning difficulties
* Multi-level learners
* New forms of ICT (eg blogs, wikis, podcasting)
PROBLEM: Far too many ideas for one action research!!!!
* Gifted children
* ESOL children
* Learning difficulties
* Multi-level learners
* New forms of ICT (eg blogs, wikis, podcasting)
PROBLEM: Far too many ideas for one action research!!!!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
My experience with action research projects
For the last 3 years I have completed action research projects as part of my professional learning.
2006 - St Joseph's School
Action Research Project Topic: "Questioning Skills"
This research project focused on integrating a range of questioning techniques into my classroom programme. This included using a question cube, question matrix, de Bono's Six Thinking Hats. I was teaching a Year 1/2 class at the time.
2007 - Pine Hill School
Action Research Topics: "Blogging", "Deputy Principal Induction", "Writing"
Three action research projects were completed as part of my annual appraisal. At the time I was teaching a Y0-2 class. My favourite action research in 2007 was my blogging project. This involved learning how to create and maintain my own blog. I developed a classroom blog Maisy's Mag. This involved the students taking a toy monkey home with a journal and digital camera during the weekend. The children returned to school on Monday and shared their adventures, then their journal entry was blogged. This was a great introduction to blogging. The following year I became confident with the process of blogging and created "Read About Ralph". This was a very successful blog. Please feel free to check it out: http://readaboutralph.blogspot.com (Click on Miss B's links on the left hand side of the blog to take you right there)
2008 - Pine Hill School
Action Research Topics: "Podcasting & Wikis", "Writing", "Home-School Partnership"
Last year my favourite action research was based around wikis. I wanted to learn more about how to use a wiki in my classroom. I created a "Magic Maths" wiki to use as part of my numeracy programme. Please feel free to check it out : http://magicmaths.wikispaces.com (Click on Miss B's links on the left hand side of the blog to take you right there)
2009 - George Street Normal
Action Research Topic: ???????????????????????????????????????
2006 - St Joseph's School
Action Research Project Topic: "Questioning Skills"
This research project focused on integrating a range of questioning techniques into my classroom programme. This included using a question cube, question matrix, de Bono's Six Thinking Hats. I was teaching a Year 1/2 class at the time.
2007 - Pine Hill School
Action Research Topics: "Blogging", "Deputy Principal Induction", "Writing"
Three action research projects were completed as part of my annual appraisal. At the time I was teaching a Y0-2 class. My favourite action research in 2007 was my blogging project. This involved learning how to create and maintain my own blog. I developed a classroom blog Maisy's Mag. This involved the students taking a toy monkey home with a journal and digital camera during the weekend. The children returned to school on Monday and shared their adventures, then their journal entry was blogged. This was a great introduction to blogging. The following year I became confident with the process of blogging and created "Read About Ralph". This was a very successful blog. Please feel free to check it out: http://readaboutralph.blogspot.com (Click on Miss B's links on the left hand side of the blog to take you right there)
2008 - Pine Hill School
Action Research Topics: "Podcasting & Wikis", "Writing", "Home-School Partnership"
Last year my favourite action research was based around wikis. I wanted to learn more about how to use a wiki in my classroom. I created a "Magic Maths" wiki to use as part of my numeracy programme. Please feel free to check it out : http://magicmaths.wikispaces.com (Click on Miss B's links on the left hand side of the blog to take you right there)
2009 - George Street Normal
Action Research Topic: ???????????????????????????????????????
What is Action Research?
My definition:
Action Research is a valuable learning process for teachers.
It is:
* ignited by an interest
* supported by research
* planned and implemented with passion and purpose
* a brainstorm full of wonderings and challenges
* fluid and reflective
* Shared and celebrated with others
A completed action research project:
* motivates teachers and/or learners
* allows teachers to grow creatively
* encourages teachers to find their own best practice
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