First my colleagues, a query:
For my research study, I may go decidedly low tech. I am tallying the numbers of questions and quality questions that students ask in a given period. (Rubric) I can tally using an online tally system, but as I teach, I do not carry my computer. I could use a smartphone app such as Advanced Tally Counter. This would be easy because of the small space needed and I do carry my phone with me in my pocket. My fear is that since my students rarely see me use a smartphone in class, it may distract them. My thought, then, is to tally using a paper, clipboard, and pencil. My peers, what do you think? I could let the students know that I am recording certain data about the classroom environment.
Is modeling an alternative use of a phone besides texting, phoning, gaming, social media use, and watching videos enough to warrant pulling my phone out of my pocket? Methodology For this research study I have divided my four core world history classes so that I give a treatment of a positive behavior reward to two of my classes, while not giving the treatment to two other classes. I have chosen to give the treatments to my first and third period classes which have a similar demographic profile to my second and fifth period classes, who will receive no treatment. Starting on a Monday, I will record the numbers of questions that students ask per period over a week-long study. The week-long study consists of three 50 minute classes and one 90 minute block period. Further, I will also record the numbers of quality questions, as measured against a rubric, that the students ask per period over that same week-long study. I will record these using a tally system. The most unobtrusive method of recording the tally is keeping a hand tally on a sheet of paper divided into two columns: one for all questions, one for quality questions.This is the method that I may use. Alternatively, there are many smartphone apps which may also be useful. A simple, free app that works well is Advanced Tally Counter (for Android systems). Since I rarely pull out my phone during class, I think that this may distract the students. In my treatment classes, students who ask quality questions will be rewarded with their names written on the board; they will earn the right to line up early at the door before dismissal. This free, to the teacher, reward is of high value to most seventh grade students. If a student asks a second question during the same week, they will get a check next to their name and earn the right to line up early and invite a friend (again high value; no cost). If a student continues asking quality questions, they will earn additional checks and herbal tea for the class period. This low cost reward may inspire especially during these colder fall days. I will transfer my data into a Google Sheet to analyse the results.
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This sounds like a very interesting way to find out if students are motivated by eternal rewards or intrinsic motivation. I am interested to see the outcome. I'm sure the rewards will interest the other children around them in asking questions. I think it would be good to try both methods. I would explain my reason for having the smart phone and they should understand. If you use both methods you can compare and reflect on which was most convenient and why. I think you have a very interesting topic.
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About MeAfter teaching for 20 years, I've decided to pursue a master's degree! Archives
July 2017
CategoriesThis is me working on my classwork... usually at night after the heater is off.... sitting long times makes me cold!
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