Saturday, March 17, 2012

Action Research Plan

Goal: Find ways to motivate students, either intrinsically or extrinsically in order to improve school’s climate and ultimately test scores.
Action Steps(s):
Person(s) Responsible:
Timeline: Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation

  1. Develop a student survey on motivation






Donna Carnagey

March 2012/May 2012

Motivation surveys that are appropriate for elementary age students  (2nd – 5th graders)

Identify patterns or trends among students.  What is it that motivates students to do their best?


  1. Develop a teacher survey on motivation.






Donna Carnagey

March 2012/May 2012

Utilize on-line survey programs such as Survey Monkey

Identify patterns or trends among teachers.  What motivates teachers to be effective in the classroom?

  1. Have students and teachers fill out surveys; paper and on-line.







Students in grades 2 – 5, and the teachers of those same grade levels.

March 2012/May 2012

Surveys:  paper and online

Gather surveys; look for patterns or trends in motivation

  1. Share results with the leadership team and Mr. McEwin.








Donna Carnagey

May or June 2012

Copies of trends/patterns to be given to the members of the leadership team.

Using the data,
develop a plan of action for the next school year 2012 -2013, in order to positively impact our school’s climate. 

5 comments:

  1. If you could observe in the classroom different activities that the teacher is doing and ask what types of methods are used for motivation you can see the kids in action. From my experience in my classroom, I can tell you what motivates this student and which student is not motivated by anything. Surveys are good but talking to the students can also give you a clearer picture. For example: if the teacher has an incentive chart ask the student about it, they'll tell what is motivating them to get those stickers or stars that are on there. You can even ask them about courses, most kids will say they like science, ask why, most likely because they get to do experiments. Just a suggestion.

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  2. I agree about talking with the students, which I plan to interview several from each grade level. Maybe motivation isn't exactly the right word. I hear from teachers in almost every grade level the students "just don't care". They (teachers) are seeing kids with little to no work ethic and low self-esteem. How do you make kids care? That's probably a better description.

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  3. Students' success and motivating them to excel is all that we aim for. I also believe that each student is motivated in a different way and also every teacher uses his/her own motivational strategies. What really works for one teacher might not for another. I think surveys are a good idea.

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  4. I find your comments and Samantha's very disheartening. It is sad that students don't seem to care as early as elementary school. I left teaching high school for middle school because I got frustrated with the apathy of the high schoolers and was refreshed by middle schoolers who actually listened to you because they wanted to learn something. Now I see that it is starting even earlier. I agree with what Samantha said about students being more motivated in different classes. A lot of time student motivation is based on whether or not they like the subject or the teacher, for elementary and middle, probably more on the teacher. Maybe you could look at developing the student teacher relationship as part of your plan. Perhaps incorporate questions on your survey that explore that connection.

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    Replies
    1. I just read a couple of articles about the impact of teacher/student relationships on motivation. This isn't something I hadn't thought about since I am planning to also look at teacher behavior as well. However, I don't think that teachers in general understand the impact of their behavior. This is what I really hope to get across to the teachers I work with.

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