Task Orientation of Student
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| If the student is labeled with an N the were Not on task. Students were on task unless otherwise noted. |
The lesson that we did this particular observation on consisted of us reviewing problems for solving for x. We also introduced some new concepts, but it was all going along with algebra and solving for x just like we have been doing for awhile. There was 23 students in class on the particular day that we made our observations. When the lesson started there were two students that were off task but after the first five minutes all of the students were engaged in what was going on. Then at the 10:00 check some of the students that were able to get the problem figured out before the other students started talking to each other. This was one of the times that most students were off task. Student 11 usually does really well but on this particular day we were reviewing something that he had a firm grasp on and he was extra talkative. Student 14 also had a lightbulb moment when during class. Before this happened he was very off task. Then all of a sudden he understood what we were doing and then the rest of the class he was on task the whole time. There was also one particular student who does not do well in class and I thought did not put much effort in. But after taking part in this activity I realized there was only two short parts of class that he was off task the rest of class he would try and then give up. I did not realize that he was trying as hard as he was before giving up. There was also some kids that did a lot better at the beginning of class then at the end of the class they were off task for 15 or more minutes at a time. I wonder is these students were getting burnt out on the problems that we were doing, if they were tired, or what the reasoning was. Maybe these students will need some more encouragement and attention during the end of the class. I think doing this from time to time would be a good idea when teaching so you don't make assumptions about any of the students.
Great blog post, Matt. I experienced the same issues in my class with students becoming less focused as the lesson progressed. I suggested that perhaps planning a few different activities could counteract that behavior to maintain the focus that we're looking for. Also, for the students that finished their work early and started to become distracted, is there any way that we could use that to our advantage? Maybe giving them the opportunity to teach their classmates who are struggling could help keep that student, and everyone else on task.
ReplyDeleteThis data and your analysis of it is insightful. By observing closely, you could see that a student had a lightbulb moment and that it led to his increased engagement in class. I wonder how often that is happening in classrooms....students are working with the information, but it isn't catching and reads as boredom or lack of motivation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment that this could be a helpful exercise in your own classroom. The fact that you had misunderstood a student and this exercise helped you see that he was actually trying, but just giving up quickly could give you information that would allow you to serve him better as a teacher.
Seeing the change in on/off task behavior for the group in general at certain points could change how you deliver information or what tasks you ask them to do during those times.