Week 5: Inquiry

           Last week I began thinking about behavior management techniques that could be used for whole class time and to help with talking and on task behavior. I then began to think more about something that could be done for one student in specific. I wonder if a star chart or some kind of behavior management technique could improve one student’s on task behavior.

            I have noticed this one student is constantly moving around and not paying attention. She is defiant when asked to stop doing something or to pay attention. I thought she was just an off-task student who pushed buttons, but then I noticed something strange. Ten minutes after I witnessed her moving around, talking during a lesson, being off-task, and not wanting to listen or do her work, she was working hard at a literacy station. This confused me. I began to wonder if she was only off-task in whole group lessons and could work better on her own? Or maybe it was just reading aloud in class that she did not like and this is what caused her to be so off task. I was really intrigued by this and plan to look more into it to try and see what can be done to help improve her behavior since I know she is capable of completing her work and following directions.

            I also wonder if some form of positive reinforcement will help improve her on task behavior and build her confidence in subjects she may loose attentiveness in because she is scared of participating or of failing. I had thought about some little star chart on her desk or a more specified behavior system than the clips used in the class. I just really want to get her to work to her full potential.

            While a lot of the reading suggested taking field notes while inquiring, I worry about time. I know I plan to jot down when I see her off task of why I think she may be off task, but I know I will not have time for everything. A bonus to working in the classroom is that “classrooms naturally generate a tremendous paper trial that captures much of the daily classroom activity.” (p. 81) I plan to start looking at her work as she completes it in different group settings, different times of the day, and in different subjects. I had never thought about that until reading, but I believe it could give me more insight onto what causes her behavior outbursts and how I can help.