Using Data in Tier 1

How to motivate and data track in Tier 1

Involving students in their learning is the number one place to start when trying to motivate them. However, adding the data to the involvement takes their motivations to a whole new level. We need to teach learners that it's okay to admit they don't understand something. We need them to problem solve HOW they can learn it and set GOALS for themselves while trying to learn something new and difficult.

Exit tickets

One easy place to start is using Exit Tickets within your classroom. These are formative assessments are completed at least once a week to notate the progress your students are making on the skill or standard you are teaching within your classroom. I do not take these for a grade, but rather use as data tracking for my instruction. Our goal as a class is 80% or more of the group will be proficient on that specific skill or standard being taught. As a teacher, I can not move on to the next skill or standard until at least 80% or more has achieved that. I could just use this data for my self and design my lessons to achieve that 80%, but showing the class their average on those exit tickets is a very motivating strategy.

Class average data

Using Google Forms is a quick and easy way to collect data fast. There are several different formative assessment tools you can use within your lessons, so check out the formative assessment page for ideas. Once students have completed their Exit Ticket, I'm quick to grade and give feedback as they finish. They also correct any mistakes. Then we graph the data. Afterwards, I ask the class what they think we could do differently. How can we get to 80%? What do we need to practice? With those suggestions, I apply it to the next class period. Students own their learning.

The reason I like using class averages in data tracking is to promote a team atmosphere. Students know where they lie within that percentage and also know they can be letting their team down if they don't try their absolute best. However, their data isn't on display for others to know. Essentially I am able to do two things: create a culture of collective efficacy and create intrinsic motivation for all learners.

Last, I love how this creates closure to lessons. I struggle the most with closing out a lesson, even though it only takes 2-3 minutes. I'm always rushed for time, trying to soak as much time as possible for learners to practice or pull one extra small group. However, the closure to a lesson helps the learner organize, evaluate, and store the information for future application.

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