On Monday at the staff meeting, those of us who attended the NZEI Pasifika Fono presented our findings to the rest of the staff. We talked about the four main themes from the Fono: Identity, Language, Digital Spaces and Va. We also shared some of our main takeaways from some of the workshops that we had attended. Next years Fono will be held in Wellington.
Monday 13 May 2024
Tuesday 7 May 2024
COL - Responses to my Hunches
During one of our COL meetings, we were asked to share our hunches with our colleagues and take note of some of the feedback provided. I also added some of my findings and thoughts regarding my hunches.
Hunch One: If I find or create texts to help older students who struggle with reading, it will motivate them to read more
It is difficult to find texts suitable for older students who struggle with reading. Some of the online websites that do provide texts that may be suitable require a subscription and fee. I tried to find free online reading programmes that are suitable for older students, but they cost money (e.g. Reading Doctor online, Story Shares, High Noon books etc). Instead I will utilise free access at school to Literacy Planet which has good reviews and Read Theory (another free online reading programme). Possibly try some comic books and other types of genres that are of high interest.
Hunch Two: If I create an interesting literacy programme/activities, then it will keep students motivated and on task when they are not with me
When students are easily distracted it is hard for them to stay on task. I may need to provide rewards or ask the students what they want to learn about. I need to provide opportunities for more ‘choice’ for students. What will this look like? How to keep them motivated and engaged? Look at the literature around student engagement. Review the current literacy programme and make changes e.g. class layout, and decide who sits with who.
Hunch Three: If I can find a way to motivate students, then they will read more often (mileage)
I need to ask the students what motivates them to read. I need to find ways to encourage more reading mileage e.g. buddy reading or rewards. Other ways could include involving parents, creating an attractive reading corner, sending books home to read etc.
Hunch Four: If I can focus on improving behavioural and cognitive engagement, my students will improve their ability to focus and improve their reading skills.
I need to identify exactly how many students are off task or focused and how often. I need to identify which students are able to articulate their thinking. Strategies are needed to focus on improving student engagement in class. Strategies are also needed to improve student’s higher order thinking skills and communication skills.
Hunch One: If I find or create texts to help older students who struggle with reading, it will motivate them to read more
It is difficult to find texts suitable for older students who struggle with reading. Some of the online websites that do provide texts that may be suitable require a subscription and fee. I tried to find free online reading programmes that are suitable for older students, but they cost money (e.g. Reading Doctor online, Story Shares, High Noon books etc). Instead I will utilise free access at school to Literacy Planet which has good reviews and Read Theory (another free online reading programme). Possibly try some comic books and other types of genres that are of high interest.
Hunch Two: If I create an interesting literacy programme/activities, then it will keep students motivated and on task when they are not with me
When students are easily distracted it is hard for them to stay on task. I may need to provide rewards or ask the students what they want to learn about. I need to provide opportunities for more ‘choice’ for students. What will this look like? How to keep them motivated and engaged? Look at the literature around student engagement. Review the current literacy programme and make changes e.g. class layout, and decide who sits with who.
Hunch Three: If I can find a way to motivate students, then they will read more often (mileage)
I need to ask the students what motivates them to read. I need to find ways to encourage more reading mileage e.g. buddy reading or rewards. Other ways could include involving parents, creating an attractive reading corner, sending books home to read etc.
Hunch Four: If I can focus on improving behavioural and cognitive engagement, my students will improve their ability to focus and improve their reading skills.
I need to identify exactly how many students are off task or focused and how often. I need to identify which students are able to articulate their thinking. Strategies are needed to focus on improving student engagement in class. Strategies are also needed to improve student’s higher order thinking skills and communication skills.
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