assign2
Nikee Onken EDUC 698 June 24, 2018
Assignment 2: Data Collection
Research Questions: ● How is differentiation being used in the classroom? ● What differentiation strategies are being used in the classroom? ● What strategies seem to be most effective? ● How do differentiation strategies change based on the type of performance task being
assessed? Data Collection Method 1: Fishing in a Sea of Data
Sagor (2011), states that “ as professionals, we want the data that we use to influence our decisions on teaching and learning to be both valid and reliable” (p.109). With this in mind, I have decided to use this method in order to further my research. I feel that because my topic is so broad, and encompasses much more than simple teaching and differentiation, I will need to look at several different factors and ask several questions in order to better find answers.
The questions I will ask in my research, will pertain to what materials teachers use not only in their planning, but in their daily instruction as well. I will ask questions both about the types of performance tasks, and the differentiation strategies used. With it being the summer months, and preschools being a bit of a different environment than traditional public school, I will be relying heavily on what is already out there for me along with interviews and conversations with fellow teachers. Data Collection Method 2 Survey:
The information I am seeking in my research is information from those in the field who work with differentiation and performance tasks everyday. Due to this, I am really needing honest answers to questions I have so I feel that anonymous survey use will be beneficial for my research. Altritcher (2008), states that “in a survey, the interviewer cannot respond immediately to the answer or specify new questions” (n.p.) I think this is powerful because it will allow my interviewees to really think about their answer and take quality time to answer. In my written survey, I am going to ask all of my research questions above, and then leave a space for them to comment on anything else they see is important or related that I need to know. I will also allow them to provide the opportunity to further communicate if they wish to.
Data Organization and Analysis:
I think it will be easier for me to collect and analyze my data in tables. Below is an idea of what they may look like for each method.
Fishing in a Sea of Data
Performance Task / Differentiation Strategy Data Regarding
Cognitive Performance Task What a student knows
Demonstrative Performance Task What a student can do
Behavioral Performance Task What a student chooses to do
Affective Performance Task How students feel about themselves and the situations they are in. Sagor (2011).
Differentiation Strategy Will vary based upon teacher response to survey.
Differentiation Survey
Question Answer Comments/Questions
How do you differentiate in your classroom?
What differentiation strategies to you use in your classroom?
How do you choose the best fit differentiation strategy for your performance task at hand?
What differentiation strategy (ies) do you use for cognitive performance tasks?
What differentiation strategy (ies) do you use for demonstrative performance tasks?
What differentiation strategy (ies) do you use for behavioral performance tasks?
What differentiation strategy (ies) do you use for affective performance tasks?
Is there any other information or any further questions you have about differentiation and performance tasks in the classroom?
References
Altrichter, H., Feldman, A., Posch, P., & Somekh, B. (2008). Teachers investigate their work: An introduction to action research across the professions (2nd Edition ed.). New York, New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Sagor, R. (2011). The action research guidebook: A four-step process for educators and school teams (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.