scaffolding inquiry learning to develop writing skills with digital graphic organizers
TRANSCRIPT
Scaffolding Inquiry Learning to Develop Writing Skills
with Digital Graphic Organizers Karen
Simmons
April, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS• Participants• Problem• Needs Analysis• Theoretical Framework• Intervention Plan• Mind-Map Examples in
Popplet.com• Results• Limitations• Excitement for Future
Participants4th Grade
Class A (Inquiry-Based)
20 students
Class B (Traditional) 20 students
Yet, 4th graders are expected to write a
comprehensive analysis.
The Problem
Writing is difficult for them.
4th graders do not like to write.
85% scored below proficiency for lack of details
63% scored below proficiency for lack of text evidence
Needs Analysis Two Writing Prompts
72% skipped graphic organizer
28% of students – liked writing
Needs Analysis Writing Attitude Survey
67% of students – did not like
5% of students - neutral
Theoretical Framework
Inquiry LearningScaffolding
support learning
Lev Vygotsky
facilitator
teacher
digital
tutor
John Dewey
Intervention Plan
Scaffold Inquiry Learning
with
Digital Graphic Organizers
(5-week plan)
Intervention Plan
Digital Mind-Map toolPopplet.com(easy, fun, free)
Adding the Topics and Details
Adding Questions Arthur Costa’s Three Levels of Questions
Factual (What?)Interpretive (How or Why?)Reflective (Should or Could?)
Researching and Adding the Notes
Writing and Scoring the Essay
Scored by an
External Evaluatorwith a teacher created
Rubric(based on CCSS)
Great Results…. Class A - Inquiry Based Class B - Traditional
Class A Improved 22%
over Class B
Surprising Results… Stratified Samples
Group 1(Special Needs)
Improved 49%
Group 2 (Regular Ed.)
Improved 44%
35% of students – liked writingMost felt better about themselves as writers
Results Writing Attitude Survey
20% of students – did not like
45% of students - neutral
External Evaluator
SOME LIMITATIONS
Group Selection
Research
Time
Students Showed Substantial Growth!
I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT…
Pre
Special Needs StudentsImproved
more than others.
Special Needs Intervention - For Future Study
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