I was reading this article about data walls Shaming students one wall at a time and I was surprised in some ways and not surprised in other ways. Sometimes, we as teachers, do things that seem motivating but than when we take a closer look, we realize how negative it is for our students. I will admit that early in my teaching career, I used to have a chart for how my students were doing on their math facts but I abandoned it for several reasons. The main reason was that it really did not improve anyone's math fact fluency and I was uncomfortable with some students being far ahead or behind to be displayed for everyone to see. There is also the fact that I could not overlook, some of my students were trying their best and still not improving. I did not know how to help these students.
Two things happened as I continued my teaching career. The first thing was that I started looking at my instruction and decided I needed to find ways to reach more of my students. I have found some things that work with some students and other things that work for others and I continue to look for ways to improve my teaching.
The second thing that has absolutely changed my teaching in the past year is discovering whole brain teaching. My antidote to data walls is the Super Improver Team.
Students earn stars and move up levels for improvement! This has been so fabulous this year. All of my students need to improve in something - even my highest kids. It can be used for any academic improvement - math, reading, etc. and behavior as well. The students cheer each other as they earn stars and move up levels!
I would highly suggest checking it out as an alternative to data walls. You can check out the free webcast here: www.wholebrainteaching.com. Look for the webcasts and it is #586. There are also many examples on teachers pay teachers that are also free.
Do you use data walls in your classroom or something different? Please leave a comment
I have never used data walls for academic achievement. (I did have a behavior clip chart at one point, but have abandoned that also). I am the teacher who argued with other teachers that having an Acclerwted Reader party for kids who made so many points was not acceptable because of those kids who had disabilities would not be able to earn that amount of points in the time needed. A few years ago I used interactive math notebooks and one of the pages was where the kids could graph their personal achievement in math fact fluency. My speech was always that they were compensating against themselves.
ReplyDeleteCaitlain, I agree with you. Our school abandoned AR tests a few years back and I was very happy. I do like the idea of having students keeping their own data and competing against themselves to improve. One of the main ideas of whole brain teaching is improving and breaking their own records and not worrying other students. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMary-I really like this much, much better. It's a nice way for kids to set goals and work towards them versus focusing all the praise on the top dog. Thanks for sharing it on my Facebook page.
ReplyDeleteCarla
This is my first year using the WBT Super Improver Wall and I love it! The students love it too, it's been a great motivation and it can be differentiated for each child and their ability.
ReplyDeleteIt is my first year using it too. I am loving the difference that it is making in my class.
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