I teach in a K-5 school in New Jersey. Every year at our school district's convocation, we hear about the achievement of our students on standardized test. Each year writing is an area of concern. Students are having difficulty writing proficiently on these state mandated tests and in the classroom. Some see texting and participation on social networking websites as a cause for the decline of writing among students today. I tend to focus on the benefits of the integration of technology in the classroom. Students truly enjoy technology, why not use it as a tool.
I usually see students who show a lack of interest in writing or do not see a reason to write. I think that by incorporating the use blogs and wikis in classroom instruction students will have an audience to write to other than just the teacher. Students will take pride in seeing their work "published". They will also get feedback from others that, is not as threatening as a teacher's corrections. Students can also help each other and learn from others mistakes. Cooperative and collaborative learning are seen as truly beneficial for today's students. With this in mind, I move forward with my plan. We can't just keep doing things the same old way because it is not working.
I plan to determine the impact, of the integration of Web 2.0 tools, in particular blogs and wikis in classroom instruction, on standardized writing test scores of 3rd-5th grade students.
To be more specific:
Who?: 3rd-5th grade students
What?: integration of Web 2.0 tools particularly blogs and wikis in classroom instruction
Why?: impact.... on standardized writing test scores
I look forward to the journey that I will embark upon. I may be surprised at what I learn, but it will be new knowledge that can only help me become a better educator.
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6 comments:
Luis,
It looks like you and Stephanie have pretty much the same topic, and it's a good one. Do you think standardized writing test scores are going to give you enough data to compare. In California there is only a fourth grade and seventh grade writing score. The tests have writing scores based on multiple choice items, but I think you're looking for something more. I'm just throwing it out there that perhaps you could get some baseline rubric scores or artifacts from prior portfolios as a comparison.
I will forward anything that I think you can use.
Allan
Luis,
It does appear that we've chosen the same topic, and it will be most interesting to see what we find out. Alan brought up an interesting point as well; will we find enough data just focusing on standardized writing tests? I guess I had assumed that every state was just like Alaska, since we all seem to have to follow the guidelines of NCLB. Alaska gives a standardized writing test, which is a mixed format of multiple choice and essay questions, to all students grade 3 and up. It was interesting to hear that his state just gets writing data from 4th and 7th grade students. It does make me wonder if we will find research that can be used to make generalizations.
As I work on my own research, I will certainly forward anything that looks like it would be helpful to you.
~Stephanie
Luis, Allan and Stephanie,
In the state of Tennessee, we give standardized test to cover all academic areas from 3rd grade through 8th. We give a writing assessment in grades 5 and 8. The high school is giving the end of course tests. It does make you wonder what states if any, give the writing assessment in every grade.
Good luck on the writing. It should be an interesting topic.
Kathy
Hi everyone! This does seem to be a common thing throughout many of the states. Probably because the writing element is difficult to grade. South Carolina does however give a writing assessment every year 3rd through 8th, that may help you. We have a PASS test that is actually given earlier than the other curriculum including the reading. In March all students take the writing portion for two days. NOt sure if that will help.
I also know that our district adopted the Dominee ( not sure of the spelling) assessement that follows each child throughout elementary and middle school. I am not a Language Arts teacher so I do not know how these scores are shared for research but I can ask around to see if I can provide any resources.
Good luck and I am interested in what you find out. LORI POWERS
Allan, Kathy, Stephanie and Lori
I had not thought about that point either. In New Jersey, we have standardized writing test in grades 3-8. In our school district we also give the Terra Nova test to 1st and 2nd graders. I figured that other states would be the same due to NCLB. I thank you all for your comments and questions. I look forward to my research and hope to be of help to you all.
Luis
Luis,
I came across this article in the Walden library when I was researching mine. Thought you could use it.
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=103&sid=fc79ffd9-5678-41df-a0a1-b621a4e2aa76%40sessionmgr112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=eric&AN=EJ832458
Kathy
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