Data Collection

I was left pondering what data I could gather that would show the impact of how giving  clear instructions to students can ensure that they fully comprehend what is expected of them in order to achieve.

I pulled our school data apart particularly focussing on years 5 & 6. Raw data shows us patterns, areas of strengths and weakness but it doesn't tell us the whole story. I dug deeper in order to understand the needs that suit behind the numbers. 

Looking at the students individually paints an informative picture. With a range of diverse learning needs in this cohort of senior students it showed the many barriers they have to overcome and highlights the need of explicit instructions to support their success.

This also started me on a journey of looking at other ways to collect data. With our team still early in it's collaborative journey (16 months) and with the challenges Covid-19 provide in 2020 saw the use of a digital platform become the main portal for the delivery of our curriculum program. By creating this digital platform for all curriculum areas it provided a transparent, rewinable environment for tamariki and whānau to engage in. So the best place to start is always with the tamariki...

Types of data I am in the process of gathering is;

• Student voice - interviewing students
• Whānau voice?
• Student & Teacher observations
• Google Form Survey questionnaire to teachers across schools 
• Google Form Survey Questionnaire to RTLB, LSC, SENCO

Once I have gathered and received a wide range of data I will create a continuum to show my findings from the surveys and display the student voice in a Google sheet.

The gathering of student voice in my own team has been reaffirming and heart warming that we are providing consistency across the team and that students enjoy the Digital platform to support their learning. 

Next steps... 

To look in to Dr Rebecca Jesson research. Dr Jesson is the Associate Director, Woolf Fisher Research Centre, Faculty of Education. Her focus is on designing, with teachers, innovations that will improve the literacy outcomes for students. 

To collate the data and record it's findings.

To observe other teachers across different school settings and talk to the tamariki about what type of instructions helps them the most. 

To have a korereo with whānau about the use of our digital platform to see if they feel their child has  engagement and  helps them understand their tasks?