Standard+5

Home. Standard 1. Standard 2. Standard 3. Standard 4. Standard 5. Standard 6. Standard 7. Standard 8. Standard 9. Standard 10

The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and selfmotivation.
 * Standard 5: Classroom Management and Motivation. **


 * Evidence**

I developed my action research to test the idea that students can increase their level of thinking and participation in literature circles with the use of online discussion. I believed that by creating an environment where students could discuss their book outside of the typical classroom day that participation in discussion would increase which would lead to increased comprehension and eventually higher level thinking within discussion and on written work. I tried to use positive social interaction and engagement in online discussion to improve the results of my literature circles. The research gave me an opportunity to improve how I use literature circles and helped me develop the use of online discussion within an effective teaching model.
 * Rationale**

After completing the research I was surprised by a few things and others were as expected. I realized online discussion needs to be more closely monitored and students need more encouragement to participate online. I also learned that students really enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the book and often wanted more class time because of what they were able to discuss online. This was definitely different from previous years where students often were eager to finish classroom discussion as fast as possible. Students also wrote better discussion questions but the change was more significant for the low achieving group compared to the already high performing students. Students’ increased comprehension, especially from lower students, when using the online discussion format of literature circles was enough to convince me to try it again with future literature circle groups.


 * KSD:**

The use of online discussion in literature circles shows my understanding of how important social groups can be when reading and comprehending literature. I provided opportunities outside of the classroom for students to socialize and discuss because I realize how a student or multiple students can impact and influence others to learn at a higher level than what might be achieved alone.
 * 5.K.2 The teacher understands how social groups function and influence people, and how people influence groups.**

The use of online discussion in literature circles shows my analysis that typical class time is not enough to adequately engage in meaningful and productive discussion. I provided more time to work together without giving up precious time in the school day.
 * 5.S.6 The teacher analyzes the classroom environment and makes decisions and adjustments to enhance social relationships, student motivation and engagement, and productive work.**

I push to enhance social relationships so that students continuously learn from each other, whether in the classroom or online. I do this through the use of online discussion and teaching netiquette so that students work effectively together.
 * 5.D.3 The teacher values the role of students in promoting each other’s learning and recognizes the importance of peer relationships in establishing a climate for learning.**