Reflections on Research Teach like a Champion

I'm a little behind in my observations.  I've made changes according to the suggestions in the book teach like a Champion.  Some of the easier ones for example the set up of desks in pairs.  I have found this to be a great working solution to having to many students in a group and all talking or having their back to you when instruction is at the front of the room.  Silly as it seems this helps them be able to be fully aware of what is going on and also allows me freedom of movement within the class.  I can get close to any student without breaking the flow of the classroom.  It has also allowed me to work with them on passing out papers quickly and returning them to me to avoid wasted time.

I have especially liked the "No Opt Out".  Basically, no one is exempt from answering even when they don't know the answer.  This is accomplished simply by returning to the student once someone has answered.  It allows all the students to know they most respond to a question and they seem to be making more of an effort to do so.

Some of the teaching techniques have been a little more challenging for me to do mainly because they are habits that need to be broken.  For example standing still when giving directions so they understand this is important. "Right is Right" which is basically not accepting anything but the correct answer without saying yes that's right but adding to it or changing the wording.  It is best to continue to draw our the answers from the student till the response is correct.

I feel that some of these changes seem small but they are having an impact within the class.  It has made the class run more smoothly  and I see my students getting very engaged.  I recognize that this is not a fast process and new habits take time but I feel the payoff will be very much worth the effort and time in mastering the techniques and tools in this book.

Teach Like A Champion

Teach Like a Champion- Action Plan
Goal: How much of an effect would it have on the student’s learning if teachers learned and used 4-5 of the techniques discussed in “Teach like a Champion” consistently?  How much of an academic impact would be noted from this change?
Action Steps(s):		Person(s) Responsible:		Timeline: Start/End		Needed Resources	Evaluation
I have received the book “Teach like a Champion” by Doug Lemov		Administration		Aug-Sept 2013		Book-“Teach like a Champion”	I have signed for the book.
Request a copy of teachers that have signed for their books		Mr. Borner/Mr. Singleton		October 30, 2013		Copy	Receipt of copy of all teachers with the book
Conduct survey of Teachers		Noemi Rosier		November 15 2013		Email/Survey	Discover is if teachers have implemented any of the techniques and which ones are they using.
Conduct Survey of Students		Collaborating teachers		December 30, 2013		Paper questions What does your teacher say or do?	Evaluate answers to responses on spreadsheet.
Read on successful teaching techniques		Noemi Rosier		Aug 2013 – Jun 2014		Internet, articles, books	Compare those to techniques in “Teach like a Champion.
Record the techniques used	Noemi Rosier		Nov 1 – Jan 2014		Calendar/pictures/ video			Reflect and analyze on the student responses.
Document 2nd 6 weeks grades as a base in my classroom.	Noemi Rosier		November 22, 2013		spreadsheet			Document on spreadsheet classroom grades,
Reflective Journal	Noemi Rosier		Oct 15 – 25, 2013		Journal/blog			Observations to date.
Reflective Journal	Noemi Rosier		April 30, 2013		Journal/blog			Observations to date.
Share results with administration and teachers	Noemi Rosier, Ms. King principal), Mr. Singleton (AP), teachers that participated.		May 15,   2014		Documents, computer, scheduled date for presentation.			Share information learned.
Review Test   scores	Noemi Rosier/Mr. Singleton		When scores are in Data Portal		My Data Portal			Compare to other years or new teachers.

A New Direction

Well it seems I finally got to talk to my new school principal.  It's been a real challenge to speak with her due to meetings and constant demands through out the school.

I will be doing a completely different research paper.  I am writing it up and thinking out the steps since I feel I am pretty behind in the process.  Wow!  Feels a bit overwhelming but at least I have a direction now. 

Challenges along the way

I was able to get all the documents on referrals and sort them to assess how many referrals of level 1 and 2 offenses happened last year and how many ended in suspensions.  Most of the offenses were level 1.  There were several level 1 offenses that escalated to level 2 offenses.  Level 1 offenses deal with classroom management.  The total of referrals were over 150. The school last year had lack of structure and all the administration was new that year..  The school has been in constant transition for the last 4 years.

This year our school had a new principal and a new school counselor, and about 10 bran new teachers most are still in the AC program.  The social behavior program our principal, Ms. King  wanted  by Sean Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effecitve Teens to implement has not materialized. But she has worked on establishing a positive school culture.

One of the items that she has implemented has been to give the students 4 positive interactions as they enter the school.  Teachers shake hands with students and welcome them to the school.  The school has a slogan and the focus is “college bound”.  I think the biggest challenge at this time is the fact that we have so many new teachers who lack experience.  First year of teaching is always a challenge with so many new things to learn.  Of course, the kids are always a challenge. 

I am going to schedule a meeting with Ms. King to see if we are going to focus on the social behavior program.  If not, I will need to review and possibly change my research project. That meeting will be the deciding factor.

1st week and start of research.

Wow!  This has been a busy and demanding 1st week of school.  But, I finally had an opportunity to meet with my site supervisor and get the material to begin my action research.  It will take a little time to sort it out since it is all paperwork but at least I feel I can make a start on it. 

Comments on Action Research

What can I say?  This has been a very enlightening course.  I also want to say I appreciate my fellow students in the course and their comments and ideas.  It has helped me grow and learn.  

Someone mentioned that it seemed they did not know how we would get through all we must accomplish in the next months.  I so agree with them. But somehow we know that we have set a goal for ourselves and we will do everything possible to see it to the finish.  I think none of us would be here if we were not determined to make it through.

I’ve learned a lot in action research and I can see its many uses in all kinds of areas.  My favorite parts are the collaboration and the reflective journal.  Those 2 parts seem to bring out so much rather than just reading data and knowing things are bad or need work and not knowing what can be done.  I think it is the creative part that makes it work as it really should to benefit everyone especially the students.

I wanted to thank everyone for the help you have given me and the ideas.  It is really helpful and really helps expand and evaluate my own thinking.  I guess I'm getting into this reflection.  We do it but often not in writing and it does help to see things more clearly.  I think the truth is I've enjoyed this class because of it.  But I also know that I have had time to think and that is the important thing after all to make time.  :)