While presenting stories to the students in a new way I have struggled with how to measure the different presentations of the story can impact student engagement and understanding. I had an ah-hah moment before school on Monday.
Normally the students browse the first four pages of their anthology (when the piece is fiction) and ask them for clues (characters, genre, setting, author's purpose), problems (unknown words), and wonderings (questions). We performed this process as usual and the students gave good input for me to note on chart paper.
The NEW idea! After the first C/P/W, I pulled out the authentic original picture book of The Paper Crane and showed the students the cover, the title page, and the inside papers. I quickly grabbed a new sheet of chart paper to write down their new comments. I couldn't keep up with the new things they wanted me to post! What a problem! Thank goodness I had my (purchased for Dr. Tracz's class) digital recorder! I grabbed it and walked around the class as the students spoke their comments into the recorder. It was so exciting---truly!
I am pleased that I have good quantitative data to work with! Thrilled, actually! I am seeing how much MORE the original picture book has to offer the children in terms of prediction, questioning, and becoming engaged with the book.
My project is beginning to take focus and the word "beginning" is key. I have decided to postpone the completion of my project into next semester. My advisor, Dr. Alamillo, is supporting my decision---which is encouraging. I slept better last night.
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3 comments:
That's great. I know I've been glad I did my project over the course of last year, because I've had quite enough to do this year sifting through my data, analyzing my data and writing it up in a four chapter "book". I don't see how I could have done all of my data collection, project implementation, data analysis and write up in one semester. Way to take the time you need for your students and you project!
Although I will complete my ARP in December, I too spent a significant amount of time thinking, focusing, thinking and re-focusing on my action research project. I'm finding at the secondary level as well that picture books have a lot to offer students. I'm trying to find science picture books that I might be able to use. If you know of any authors, please let me know.
Twiddle, Twiddle, scratch, scratch, sigh, sigh, blah...(repeat incessantly please!) I know exactly what you are/were feeling, trying to find "stuff" to help you validate and support your project. If I've said it once already, I haven't said it enough; creating new curriculum, or borrowing from others has been a grand experience for me. It has by no means come easily, but the end results have been promising. Like yours, my students' responses have been very uplifting as of late. It seems as if they are now awake and willing participants in every lesson (okay,maybe that's a stretch, but it sure seems that way) that I've taught since I've begun my unit.
You made the right choice, Theresa. The bottom line is that we should be comfortable with our work and uphold the integrity of what we set out to prove, or refute through our work. Best wishes!
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