I didn't change anything in week 2 (last week) because I wanted to see if it might have just been an adjustment period and it might sink in with some time. Having said that, I thought I would get the most bang for my buck when stick store opened up. I am sad to say, that was not the case. I had stick store on Friday and no one even commented on the correlation between homework and sticks. In fact, one student didn't have enough sticks for what he wanted. He was one stick short and I suggested he do some homework next week so he could make that purchase and he said, no, and bought something else.
Having said that, I was overly eager to hear some sort of feedback on the rewards and any thoughts related to that and homework. I made the student journal prompt for week 2 "Share your thoughts on our reward for homework. Would you like to see any changes?" I wanted to take into consideration any of their suggestions before changing the amount of sticks. To my surprise, many people wanted candy instead of or in addition to the sticks. Of course, some wanted more sticks, and one unique entry stated that I
I foresee a lot of fun when it comes time to code this set of student journals! I did take special note to one entry where a student suggested to sit where they want, play on the computer or bring in electronics to use at recess. I am seriously thinking about doing something with electronics in my study. Student are occasionally allowed to bring electronics in for what we call "Fun Friday" which is filtered through our school wide behavior system. Needless to say, that is not an option all the time. The kids only ever get one of those days once, possibly twice in a quarter, and only on Friday. I never considered electronics in relation to the reward with the homework. What are your thoughts on this? My only quandary with this is... would those that brought back ALL of the homework be allowed to have electronics during recess on Friday? Or, just anyone who brings in one assignment throughout the week? I feel as though I am in a trial and error point in my study, but I also don't want to throw too many variables into the mix and make it difficult to later decipher what worked best to uplift student attitudes toward homework. I'll be changing it tomorrow, I'm going to think on it some more before I decide WHAT exactly will change.
3 comments:
Thank you for sharing the information for what you have been doing so far with your action research project. I am not so sure I would be for students bringing in their own electronics from home for a number of reasons. I would be afraid someone's electronic device would get broken. I would be afraid someone's electronic device may get stolen. I would also be afraid someone's electronic device would have things on there that could potentially be inappropriate such as songs, etc. If candy will do the trick, then why not use it? Or I am wondering what kinds of things the students are allowed to purchase with their sticks? Why not put candy in the stick store? I am just throwing around suggestions. We use champ bucks or fake money at our school. We have a champ buck store in which students can spend their money and buy things at. The items in the store range from pencils and stickers to necklaces, stuffed animals, board games, and hats. The students love it! Good luck and if I think of anymore suggestions then I will let you know. :)
Thank for your suggestions Amy! I had fully intended on doing electronics and I then I forgot to tell the kids I was changing it until I went on to the second table to offer them homework. In that moment I stopped everyone and announced that I would offer two sticks for each assignment and the students at my first table all changed their mind about taking the assignments. So that was positive! =) I see what you're talking about with the electronics. Ironically enough, none of those things have ever been a problem (yet) but those are all valid concerns. Thank you for your input, it truly does help!
I completely understand your thinking process about adding in the technology aspect because that is what kids truely love! Does your school have access to iPods or iPads that you could check? Or even just games on the computers (CoolMath). This could keep the technology aspect in there without the trouble of them bringing it in from home. Another possibility... could you create a menu of rewards the students could choose from once they reach a certain amount of homework points? This would allow the students to all find something to possibly motivate them.
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