AR Thoughts:
What an awesome way to learn “hands on” how to fix a problem! Every student is different and every class is different. Something that worked for somebody else might not work for you. But you will find out really quick what does and doesn’t work in your classroom if you implement action research. There is so much to be said for studying other people’s research and talking to experienced professionals, but I learned firsthand through this project that sometimes that isn’t enough. My ESL mentor was adamant that in all her experience the main way to increase comprehension for second language learners is through visual aids and it was obvious through my observations that this was the only tool she used. Once I started to collect data, it helped her realize that she was zoning in on one strategy too much and that by incorporating and rotating strategies, the students actually comprehended more.
My Ideas
What an awesome way to learn “hands on” how to fix a problem! Every student is different and every class is different. Something that worked for somebody else might not work for you. But you will find out really quick what does and doesn’t work in your classroom if you implement action research. There is so much to be said for studying other people’s research and talking to experienced professionals, but I learned firsthand through this project that sometimes that isn’t enough. My ESL mentor was adamant that in all her experience the main way to increase comprehension for second language learners is through visual aids and it was obvious through my observations that this was the only tool she used. Once I started to collect data, it helped her realize that she was zoning in on one strategy too much and that by incorporating and rotating strategies, the students actually comprehended more.
My Ideas
• Everyone has some prior knowledge, it’s our job as teachers to help students activate and connect it.
• Assessment don’t always answer all the questions, sometimes they create more.
• Students could bring in items from home that relate to the subject matter, this helps them make real-life connections
I Suggest…
• Utilizing mini action research projects many times throughout the year.
• Use pictures and video clips, not just written notes. Sometimes we short cut the information if we are trying to take quick notes and you can get much more concrete data by using technology
• Change up the way you group your books. A lot of times in elementary classrooms books are grouped by subject matter or theme. Try grouping books with the same vocabulary words in them too.
• Mix it up! Comprehension isn’t gained through just one strategy so use them all in different combinations!
Interesting and implemented expertly!
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