Action+Research+Plan

PROBLEM: After inspection of the data on the Dakota STEP eMetric, I noticed that an area of weakness in reading for my ninth graders was in regard to determining point of view, especially third person limited and omniscient observer.

QUESTION: How can technology enhance lessons on point of view to improve achievement in this area?

PLAN OF ACTION: I used an Achievement Series pretest to see if the freshmen skills with point of view had improved. They had not, and lessons spanning about four total days will be planned. Students will watch a PowerPoint illustrating point of view differences, followed by discussion of models. The freshmen will then be partnered to select and modify their choice of a Bob Thurber first-person microfiction, made available to them via WebCT. Students will then post their revised microfictions on the wikispace. After all microfictions are posted, student pairs will critique two other revised microfictions and classify the point of view, allowing both student and teacher feedback. A post-test will then be given.

REFLECTION: The Achievement Series pretest was a valuable tool in pinpointing a deficient area. The Internet-generated microfictions worked well to provide extremely concise prose writing suitable for point of view alterrations. The wikispace provided a convenient display area for further work with the modified microfictions. The final Achievement Series retest showed considerable improvement in student mastery of point of view.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE: The wikispace provides a forum for display of student writing, perhaps prompting more student effort toward quality. The wiki also allows a convenient way for students to peer edit and critique writing. The Achievement Series tests offer a valuable assessment tool to guide future lessons.