According to the post written by Fanguy on Piktochart’s blog, “Humans are visual creatures - half of our brain is dedicated to visual functions...What’s even more impressive is that as images are processed simultaneously, we process them 60,000 times faster than we process text” (Infographics as a visual learning tool section). Especially for my younger students, who often still struggle with reading, using visuals in my lessons is more important to have effective instruction in my classroom.
My favorite way to help students represent data in visual ways is through the use of data notebooks. This past school year, I went to a conference at Lake of the Ozarks and one of the sessions I attended was about using data notebooks with elementary students. I, along with another teacher that attended with me, are working on putting together data notebooks for our grade levels to use with our students. Especially since my grade level is moving to standards based grading next year, using these data notebooks with students will really help students visualize their learning progress. Students will start by taking a pretest for each standard (as we get to it in our pacing guide) and graphing their results. Then students will continue to chart/graph their score on each data point (assignment) that we do throughout the standard, and finally on a post-test. This will allow students to visually see how they are progressing through each standard in third grade.
In addition to these student data notebooks, my students also graph their DRA data and progress on AR reading goals. I feel like this is a great way for students to start understanding what all of their “grades” mean and to feel more connected to their learning.
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteRe: “My favorite way to help students represent data in visual ways is through the use of data notebooks.”
I have never heard of a data notebook before, but after reading your blog, I am very intrigued by the idea. While we do not do standards based grading yet, I feel it is still very beneficial for students to really “see” how they are doing. By doing so, they are really taking ownership of their learning and hopefully able to internalize it better. I would like to see what you are coming up with as you implement this idea next year. Data notebooks sound like an invaluable tool for students. It would be great for these to span through multiple grade levels.
You took a different approach to this week’s blog post than I did, and I greatly appreciate it! I think this is a great way to start when teaching students how to visualize their learning. Charting progress or lack thereof, is a very concrete way for students to see what and how they are learning. They can gain so much from doing this. This would be a great first step to build off of. Great post!
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI thought that statistic on how our brain processes images faster than text was really cool. I didn't really think about how a very concise infographic would be such a powerful tool for struggling readers. Instead of having to decode a huge amount of information, they are able to focus on maybe just a few words or phrases that are struggle areas.
I really like the idea of data notebooks. We sometimes do reflections that like in high school over the standards on their test. I didn't think about graphing but I think that is an awesome application for those reflections. Like you said, they will feel more connected to their learning, but I would also get them to practice graphing. Very cool idea!
It amazes me how much faster we process images as opposed to text! All the more reason our teaching styles need to change, right?! I love this idea of data notebooks, and have actually seen them used. The kids are really able to be held accountable for their progress and lack thereof. It puts the progress/effort into perspective for them and also is a great way for the student and teacher to see when a student is in need of reteaching. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love data notebooks, as well. We use data binders at West and track their reading, book genres, and many other things. I find it so valuable for students to see their successes and these quick visuals help hold them accountable. Visual data is highly effective at the elementary level for motivators and even meeting standards through graphing. What was the PD you went to at the lake called? I'm interested in checking it out.
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteRE: "My favorite way to help students represent data in visual ways is through the use of data notebooks."
I think that your use of data notebooks is excellent. When students are graphing data that is important to them (and pertains specifically to them), it is automatically more meaningful and they will be more engaged in making sense of it.
Dr. Dell
Hi Jessica, I saw your Branches post on Twitter and loved it. I wanted to reach out there, but I seem unable to DM you so I hope it's okay I'm commenting here on your blog instead... If you DM me your info on Twitter, I'd be happy to send you some Branches swag (classroom guide, bookmarks, etc.) for you and your students. :) - Katie Carella
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