One way to determine whether or not students are actually learning is to keep a data notebook.
What Is a Data Notebook?
A data notebook is simply a resource that tracks students’ progress. The data included is up to you.
What Should I Include In My Data Notebook?
To answer this question, think about the information you need to determine if your students are progressing in your class. Some common examples of items you might want to include are standardized test scores, test grades, behavior charts, attendance, and homework charts.
What Do I Do With This Information?
You record and then track it throughout the year. For example, let’s say one area you choose to track is standardized test scores. If you have access to your students’ scores from the previous year, graph them, breaking the scores down into low, medium, and high categories. Right away you will be able to easily see your students’ strengths and weaknesses. For example, you might see that most of your students did very well with the rules of capitalization but struggled with comma usage. This will help guide your instruction. You now know that you need to really work on commas, but it is probably safe to just review the rules of capitalization from time to time.
Then, (this is where you can really assess your teaching) when you receive your students’ scores from the standardized test for the current year, compare the scores. Where did your students’ scores improve, and where did they decline? Use this information to focus on areas of your instruction where you need improvement and to be proud of the areas in which you excel.
Is This Time Consuming?
The initial set-up is rather time intensive. Initially, plan to spend three to four hours gathering and recording information and about 30 minutes weekly to update and study your notebook. Of course, this is up to you. If you choose to include lots of data, then it will take you longer than if you choose to only record a little. Keep in mind however, that you will probably make up this time with shortened time planning lessons. You will know exactly where your students are in terms of skills needed for your class, making lesson planning much easier.
Is It Worth It?
Initially, keeping a data notebook seems tedious and time-consuming, but once started they prove invaluable. You have all the information you need about your students at your fingertips. Over time, despite the hours spent setting up and updating them, data notebooks not only improve instruction, but prove to be valuable time management resources. Soon you will not be able to imagine teaching without one!