How to Observe How to write Journal 1

When observing students to learn about how they learn, why is it important to record just the facts, as objectively as you can?

Observation tips 1.You are video recorders 2.Evidence vs analysis 3.Develop short-cut codes 4.Get as much detail as possible 1.Draw maps (example: of a playground or room) 2.Count numbers of males & females 3.Write down direct quotes 5.See “Very Useful Information-8: How to Observe & Take Notes.”Very Useful Information-8

Example of notes EvidenceConceptsAnalysis Setting: afterschool tutoring program for at-risk learners 3 Student in after-school program are at table talking: 2 males, 1 female Male working the math problems while females watch One female is Latino, named Rosita Resilience Students from underrepresented groups Biological sex differences Gender differences Culture as a context (you add later, after observation—for example) It is possible that the female students have learned to expect math to be difficult for females and now are hesitant to try math problems.

Observing classrooms Watch this video of Rafe. While watching, take down as many notes as possible, using the form I hand out. Now add as many concepts as you can in the middle column Share your notes with at least two other people in your group to see how your notes compare

Example of notes EvidenceConceptsAnalysis Class is working at seats on math (add specifics about the problems if you can see them) Many students appear to be non- White European students Rafe says, “I want to see, --,--, and --.” (names 3 students) Students come up to front of room to talk with Rafe. Rafe asks students to explain what they were doing—then tells them “You know what you were doing...” Asks them to set a goal for how to do things differently. (add after observation) Resilience—(working on problem-solving) Students from underrepresented groups/ culture as a context Resilience—teaches goal-setting and appropriate social behavior (you add later, after observation—for example) Rafe is supporting students success for students from underrepresented groups by teaching them to set appropriate goals that will help them be more resilient because by having them do their own work, they are responsible for learning the content, and they learn honesty and hard work is necessary for success.

Final advice Keep neat notes—rewrite if you are sloppy Keep detailed notes. Write for a short time before working with students if possible. Add more notes later. Finally at home, go over notes and add concepts

When you go to the school... Use the resources on my website service- learning materials (Useful Information, 8)resources on my website service- learning A little time in the beginning before you get started Add notes right after as best you can remember Even later, add concepts

First journal due Sept 17 th, or right after first visit to site. (See me if there is a problem with you getting to the site by then.)

What do you notice about this journal? Discuss in group Come up with questions you have about journals in groups Come up with a list of possible worries you have about writing journals.

Journal 1 directions Download journal prompt 1 and take along Answer the prompts completely Post on WebCT Keep the notes you took in a packet to hand in with the Diversity case study

Remember that context is made up of many things. Here are some ideas about things you might observe about the context: How is the school organized? What kind of programs and resources does it contain? Is it clean? Are there places for play, for study, etc.? How is the room organized? (even draw a map) What resources are in the room to help students learn? How many adults are present? What evidence do you have that the room is safe? Does the equipment match the physical needs of students? How many students are in the room? How many are male and female? What, if anything do you notice about student health, body size, etc?

Observing less obvious features of the context: See “Resources 3a: How to learn about context.”Resources 3a School report cards—see the link on Useful WebsitesUseful Websites School websites—see links on Resources 1dResources 1d Drive around school and its neighborhood Attend community events Kidscount—located on my websitemy website Observation—see observation tipsobservation tips Other useful websites on Marchel’s website