Action Research: Analyzing Student Achievement in Aquatics

           Over the course of my time student teaching at Elizabethtown, I completed an action research project with the guidance of my cooperating teacher Mr. Anderson. I chose the aquatic resources course I was teaching as the basis for my action research. After getting to know the dynamics and ability levels of the students in the course, I developed the following research question: does student achievement occur at a higher rate when students work together versus working alone on an assignment? This particular class was made up of 22 mixed level ability students in grades 10^th through 12^th.  10 of the 22 students have IEP’s of all scopes. I also noticed early on that students liked to work in pairs or small groups on assignments. Because of these factors, I thought the research question I posed was appropriate.

            The data I collected would be used to determine if student achievement occurred at a higher level when students worked individually on an assignment or when they worked with partners. If higher student achievement occurred one way rather than the other way, I would try to incorporate more of this type of activity into the course. I hypothesized that student achievement would be higher when students worked in pairs rather than alone on assignments. In order to test this hypothesis, I collected data over a four week time period in the same unit of instruction: water quality. Each assignment was graded out of 20 points.

            The first set of individual data was collected on Wednesday February 25^th, 2015. Students were required to create a poster on water quality impacts. This information was based on material covered in that day’s lesson. The first set of partner data was collected on Friday February 27^th, 2015. Students worked together to create a poster that explained one of four agricultural impacts on water quality of their choosing. This information was also based on material covered in the day’s lesson. The second set of individual data was collected on Tuesday March ^10th, 2015. Students created a poster that displayed water testing results from testing water quality in the fish tanks in the aquatics lab. The second set of partner data was collected on Monday March 23^rd, 2015. This information was based off of March measurements from weighing and measuring fish.

            On the first individual assignment, student achievement averaged at 86%. On the second individual assignment, student achievement averaged at 98%, a 12% increase. On the first partner assignment, student achievement averaged at 88%. On the second partner assignment, student achievement averaged at 97%. a 9% increase. After much analysis with Mr. Anderson and myself, it was determined that the data collected was not sufficient in answering the overall research question. However, a conclusion was reached that overall student achievement improved as the course went on. This could be a result of several things. Students may have been more comfortable with my teaching style. I know for certain that during this time, I realized that students need to have verbal and written directions as to what exactly I want from students on an assignment. Students may have found the water testing and measurement results more interesting and meaningful because it is something they carried out on their own.

            After much personal reflection, as well as reflecting on the project with Mr. Anderson, I came to several more conclusions regarding the action research, as well as recommendations for future research. One conclusion I reached is that the data might be slightly biased because students were allowed to choose their own partners. If I chose partners for students, I would have mixed ability levels. I noticed that similar ability students tended to work with each other on these assignments rather than work with different ability level students. One recommendation for future research is to assign partners for the group posters rather than allowing students to select their own. I feel that I would be able to control possible bias in this way.

            Another recommendation that was reached is to collect and compare data across courses. The ag mechanics course I taught had mixed ability levels and half of the students had IEPs, similar to my aquatics class. In order to provide a wider range of data to analyze, I could have collected data from more than four assignments. Many of the assignments I gave students in the class have been individual and I was somewhat limited in what assignments I could assign with partners. Students did not seem more or less on task when working on both individual and partner assignments. One fear I had when assigning partner projects was that one student would do most or all of the work while the other student did not contribute.

            Overall, I was pleased with my action research project. Mr. Anderson and I both felt that it was worthwhile to complete and the research question was valid. I think it was appropriate for a mixed ability class such as my aquatic resources class. If I completed a similar action research project in the future, I would be sure to have a larger source of data to analyze. I would also assign partners rather than allowing students to choose their own. Even though I reject my original hypothesis because I did not have sufficient data to answer the question, I still found data and reached a conclusion. I think this project was somewhat easier for me to understand and carry out than my peers because of my undergraduate research project. This project helped me understand the dynamics of my class and have prepared me future action research projects!

Early Mornings, Long Nights, and Lots of Memories: Week 11

          I had a very relaxing and refreshing weekend which prepared me for the busy week ahead! My time spent student teaching here at Elizabethtown is winding down and it is definitely bitter sweet. On Sunday, I took a hike with my dad up the mountain behind our house. As I was hiking the steep incline on the last section of the trail towards the summit, I thought about my student teaching experience. As I close in on the last few weeks of student teaching, I know it will be very busy and even challenging at times. Between lessons, spring CDE’s, meetings, and assignments; it is easy to feel like the end isn’t in sight. Just like that hike, I know that the end is near and the view from the top, just like the end of student teaching, will be well worth it.

            On Monday, students continued building their c-clamps. Students cut the threaded rod and cut the small square piece to attach to the top piece of metal. In aquatics, I began teaching about fish, a topic I will cover over the next few days. After a lesson, students completed a worksheet where they had to label fish fins and internal organs. Afterwards, students had to color and create their own fish, making sure to include all body parts found on the rubric. In intro to agribusiness, students worked in the greenhouse for the period. The graduation geraniums will soon be arriving. In order to make room, all other plants had to be transplanted into individual pots. I stayed after school with Mr. Anderson to help prepare the ag mechanics CDE team for their event on Thursday.

            Tuesday was a long day, but productive nonetheless! In ag mechanics, students attached the hex screws to their c-clamp. Some students managed to weld the hex nuts and get their threaded rod stuck in the process, myself included! It was an easy fix as we used threading taps and oil to unscrew the rod. In aquatics, I taught a lesson on fish movement and senses. Students then had to complete a worksheet about fish senses and then write a three paragraph journal entry as if they were a species of Pennsylvania fish. I heard lots of complaints about writing but encouraged students to get creative. In ag business, we finished transplanting plants in the greenhouse and prepared for the arrival of the graduation geraniums on Wednesday. There was about a half hour left in the period so students completed a worksheet on a discontinued food product of their choosing and how it related to agrimarketing. I stayed after school for the student teacher online meeting. Elizabethtown had an all member FFA meeting at 7pm which could end up being my last one as a student teacher! It made me realize how fast time is going and the thought of this experience coming to an end made me sad!

            Wednesday was another very long but eventful day. In ag mechanics, many students began to finish actual construction of their c-clamps. The final pieces were welded onto the clamps. Some other students worked to get caught up because they were absent. In aquatics, I taught a lesson on fish reproduction and spawning. I showed two short videos that really highlighted main points from the lesson. Afterwards, students completed a worksheet related to fish reproduction on a Pennsylvania fish of their choice. In ag business, students were in the greenhouse replanting the graduation geraniums which arrived that morning. After school, I traveled with Mr. Anderson and his wife to the Shady Maple smorgasboard for New and Beginning Teacher Meeting. I had the opportunity to meet other teachers in the area, gather new teaching resources, catch up with other student teachers, and eat plenty of good food!

            Thursday was my last day teaching for the week because I was traveling to Penn State on Friday for our second student teacher workshop! The county ag mechanics CDE was supposed to be held on Thursday but was canceled due to lack of interest. The students on the team were bummed, understandably, as was I. I was looking forward to watching the CDE for the first time and thought that our team would have done well! In ag mechanics, students were finishing up their c-clamps. Many finished welding, grinding, and touching up their clamp and moved on to the final step: spray painting. Students will need time to finish up tomorrow as well; some are still playing catch up. In aquatics, students dissected four of the striped bass that passed away over the course of this semester. Students split up into groups and really seemed to enjoy the activity! Students completed a worksheet relating to the process which included review questions as well as more thought provoking questions. I reviewed the questions with the class at the end in order to make sure everyone understood the information as well as summarize main points. In ag business, students finished planting graduation geraniums and cleaned the greenhouse. This process did take the whole period but the greenhouse looks amazing!

            While Friday will be spent at Penn State, I must admit I will miss these students while I am gone. As stressful and hectic as the weeks can be, I do enjoy the time spent with my students and Mr. Anderson. Some days the students seem to drive me crazy but every day, they make me smile. As I look back upon the week, I feel that I am interacting with students more than before, especially in my ag mechanics course of 17 boys. I feel like I am finding my “teaching routine” so to speak too. Looking ahead to next week, it will be just as busy. I have an SAE visit, a formal observation by Dr. Ewing, and a snow make up day.  Even though it might not seem like it, and just like the hike I took last weekend, the view will be worth it from the top!

Center for Professional Personnel Development Presents....Shady Maple!

            On Wednesday, March 25^th, 2015, I attended a New and Beginning Teacher Dinner at the Shady Maple Smorgasboard in Lancaster County. There were over 30 guests present: student teachers, cooperating teachers, as well as regional teachers. I carpooled with Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Anderson, and their daughter. The meeting began at 5pm and lasted until about 8:30. Mr. Ron Frederick was in charge of running the meeting; I always enjoy seeing him out and about! After we signed in, we were able to begin eating. I had been to Shady Maple once before but I was much younger. I did not remember exactly how big the smorgasboard was but let’s just say I did not leave hungry!

            After everyone finished eating, we went around the room and carried out introductions. We were asked to bring a lesson, pamphlet, or something that our chapter/program uses to share with others. This was our “payment” for the meal. I brought the oil spill inquiry lesson I used in my aquatic resources class on the day that Dr. Ewing came for my first observation. I got some other great resources from fellow student teachers, cooperating teachers, and other ag teachers. One resource that stands out is a Briggs and Stratton informational packet that one of the teachers from Solanco handed out. It contained awesome resources for teachers including workshop information, instructional materials, and information for students. Mr. Frederick also provided resources and handouts as well.
 

            Aside from introductions, we also had to fill out a notecard anonymously. Mr. Frederick asked four questions throughout the night. He then read some of the notecards and answers that stood out to him. The first question asked us to explain the funniest thing that happened to us this school year. The second question allowed us to ask any question we wanted answered. The third question asked what type of workshop or professional development should be held in the region. The final question asked us to describe something we wish we would have known about this profession before entering the field. I thought this was an interesting activity which helped break up the night as well as add some entertainment and insight.

              Overall, I enjoyed the meal and meeting at Shady Maple last night. It was great to meet new teachers as well as catch up with familiar ones. I was also happy to reconnect with several of the student teachers who were in attendance. I had the opportunity to enjoy great food and fellowship with others in the profession. The meeting was more informal than I thought it was going to be but I feel that is needed every now and then. This was just another unique opportunity I had the chance to experience as a student teacher and maybe one day, I will get to experience a similar meeting as an actual ag teacher!

Fish, FFA, and Fun!

         This week was another very busy but productive week at Elizabethtown! I met Mr. Anderson as well as six FFA officers Sunday morning outside of the ag shop. We traveled to the 28^th Pennsylvania FFA State Legislative Leadership Conference in Harrisburg. After stopping for breakfast and checking in at the hotel, students attended their sessions all afternoon. I networked with other ag teachers across the state, former teachers, and fellow student teachers. After supper, students had another session. I used this time to catch up on emails and prepare for the week. On Monday morning, students had another session while teachers took part in several professional development workshops. After lunch, we departed to our community service activity. Etown FFA members had the opportunity to clean up a courtyard/garden at a retirement home. We ate supper at Hoss’s before the dance. After final reflections, it was time for bed as Tuesday morning required an early start.

            We checked out of the hotel by 6:30am, packed the van, and headed to the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Camp Hill for breakfast with legislators. A legislator from the Elizabethtown region was not present for the breakfast. State lawmakers were not in session and I believe this is the reason for lower attendance at the breakfast. Afterwards, we decided to visit Wildwood Park in Harrisburg, the nature center where I interned during the summer of 2013. We visited the nature center and walked the trails around the lake. After stopping for lunch, we returned to Elizabethtown. I was exhausted after the conference but had such an amazing time with the students and Mr. Anderson. We shared many laughs and it was definitely a great bonding experience. I was sad to see the conference end so soon but I was excited to get back into teaching!

 

            On Wednesday, I had another busy day! I had a busy planning period during first block as I prepared for the day. In second block, we cut metal for our c-clamp project. My students seemed very interested in this project. I am making a c-clamp as well and can’t wait to see how it compares to the one I made in AEE 350 last fall. In aquatics, students took a summative assessment on the water quality unit which concluded today. Afterwards, I introduced the game headbands to my students. I had them create headband cards on aquatic organisms in Pennsylvania including fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and plants. Students loved the game and I enjoyed watching them play! In intro to agribusiness, students watered and fertilized the plants in the greenhouse. Afterwards, I introduced the marketing unit. Students completed marketing vocab words which ended out the day.

            Thursday was a great day teaching! I helped some students one on one to catch up on their c-clamp projects. It was a great feeling knowing students were coming to me for help and asking me questions! My aquatics class was well behaved today and I had a great period with them! I taught an introductory lesson on Pennsylvania aquatic life. I then had students complete a worksheet where they had to select a PA species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and plants. They had to answer a few questions and draw a picture. In intro to agribusiness, I stepped out of my comfort zone to teach a lesson on agrimarketing, future markets, and hedging. I was not very familiar with these topics but with the help of the textbook and Mr. Anderson, I was able to make it through the lesson with minimal problems. It was somewhat hard for me to expand on some of the information but I tried my best!

            I was surprised to know we had a full day of school on Friday, I thought we would have a delay or early dismissal for sure! Jenna Moser observed me teach today, which was a nice addition to the classroom! In ag mechanics, students continued to work on their c-clamps. They finished welding the three pieces together as well as grinded the welds down with an angle grinder. Aquatics started off smoothly but ended up with me having to give a stern warning to the class. Students were weighing and measuring the fish in the aquatics lab. Two of the students acted out in an inappropriate way after I asked them to stop. The incident put me in an instant bad mood and I knew I would have to talk to my students. I was shaking as I spoke because this is the first time I ever rose my voice and got angry with students. I maintained my composure and took care of the situation in a professional, appropriate manner. Students were on task and fairly quiet the remainder of the period. They knew I was not happy with their actions and I think they understood that I was serious. I hope they will show me more respect and things will go smoothly from here on out. In intro to agribusiness, students completed the marketing project that we started at the end of class yesterday. They had to select an agricultural product, answer several marketing questions, and then create a poster marketing their product. Students enjoyed the project and I enjoyed viewing their final results.

 

            Overall, this was a very busy, tiring week. Looking back, it was definitely worth it. I had great interactions with the FFA officer team, as well as with students in class. I feel like I am getting to the point where they respect me but can still get their work done and have fun. I felt bad getting very stern with my aquatics students but at the same token, it was something that had to happen. The students were used to seeing a more relaxed, laid back side of me. I sometimes feel like they took advantage of my nice personality. I feel that these students will respect me more but know that class can still be an enjoyable experience. I am anxious to see what the remaining weeks hold and I know they will be extremely busy!

Student Teaching High's and Low's

         I started off my ninth week of student teaching feeling refreshed and re-energized, despite daylight savings time over the weekend. I was anxious to get back to a more normal schedule, or at least one that wouldn’t be impacted by winter weather! I had a very busy and productive prep period as I prepared for the week. In ag mechanics second block, students finished welding t-joints. I practiced welding as well and showed good improvement from the beginning to the end of the block. In third block aquatics, I took my students to the aquatics lab where they completed water quality testing. Students tested the water in both of the fish tanks for the following measurements: pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. In intro to agribusiness, I took students to the greenhouse where they watered all of the plants. Afterwards, I taught an introductory lesson on economic systems and the history of economics. Students began working on a poster project in which they had to differentiate between three economic systems.

            Tuesday started off very somber and melancholy: on Monday afternoon, a middle school student was fatally struck by an automobile just down the road from the school. Teachers and faculty were briefed on how to handle the situation in the morning, as well as taking part in a debrief after school. Even though I did not have the student in class, it hit home for me because he was part of the school district. I remained strong for my students as some of them expressed hurt and emotions throughout the day. In ag mechanics, I taught an intro lesson on electricity. Students then completed a worksheet on material I taught. In aquatics, students created graphs from the data collected from testing the water quality in the aquatics lab fish tanks. Students then created notecards as a study tool for a vocab quiz the next day. In intro to agribusiness, students finished up their economic system posters. I then taught an intro lesson on supply and demand. To finish up class, students completed a worksheet on supply and demand that complimented their notes.

 

            On Wednesday, I had another great day teaching! I had a busy prep period as I prepared for the day. In ag mechanics, I taught another lesson on electricity and how it relates to welding. Students completed a corresponding worksheet. To finish up the class, I had students create a foldable on which they had to draw diagrams for AC current, DC-Electrode Negative current, and DC-Electrode Positive current. In aquatics, I taught a lesson on eutrophication. I showed an awesome video to introduce the lesson. After teaching, students had to create a visual depicting the process of eutrophication in at least five steps. To finish out the day, I taught a lesson on elasticity and shifts in supply and demand in ag business. Students completed a worksheet which reiterated information learned about supply and demand so far. Students then picked an agricultural product and created a supply and demand curve for that product over a recent timespan. It was interesting to watch students try to look up information on the iPads and then create the curve. I encouraged them to think rather than me give them the answers. This was a spur of the moment inquiry idea that turned out rather well!

            On Thursday, Mr. Anderson was out for curriculum writing all day on the new STEM course for next year. I taught all three classes while a substitute remained in the classroom. In ag mechanics, students watched a video on the creation of the gateway arch in Missouri. Students completed a corresponding worksheet to go along with it. In aquatics, I taught a lesson on wastewater treatment. Students then read an article about wastewater treatment plants and answered questions. In ag business, I taught a summarizing lesson on economics. Students had the remainder of the period to create a review game of their choice. I attended the Lancaster County Ag Teachers meeting Thursday evening with Mr. Anderson as well. I had a busy but fun day on Friday. I prepared sub plans for Monday and Tuesday because I will be attending SLLC. In ag mechanics, students cut metal for their c-clamp project. In aquatics, students cleaned fish tanks and completed an in class project relating to wastewater treatment. In ag business, students watered plants in the greenhouse before playing their review games.

            Overall, this was a roller coaster of a week. I was exposed to some tragic experiences in the beginning of the week, ones that I honestly never put much thought into as a student teacher. This week has taught me to expect the unexpected and realize what truly matters in life. Life is so short and precious. I realized that I cannot worry about things that aren’t in my control; there is a higher power for that. I also realized how much I care about the students I have been working with over the last 9 weeks. I am excited to continue teaching but am sad as I realize how quickly my time at Elizabethtown is going. I have had a great experience so far and can’t wait to see what the next week holds!

Week 8: More Snow...Is It Spring Yet?!

             I started off week 8 of student teaching feeling very refreshed and recharged…partly due to the two hour delay Elizabethtown had Monday morning. I jumped right back into the hustle and bustle, ready to take on the busy week. I picked up my third and final class today and am now teaching a full load of classes! In ag mechanics today, students were introduced to T-Joints. After an explanation in the classroom, students received a few demonstrations in the shop. In aquatics, students presented posters they worked on Friday. Afterwards, I taught a lesson on groundwater and aquifers. Students then created vocab notecards and then completed a study guide for the in class quiz tomorrow. In my agribusiness course, we took care of the plants in the greenhouse and had a brief introduction of the upcoming unit. If today was a peek at what the upcoming week will hold, I know it’s going to be a busy one!

            On Tuesday, we ended up getting out at 1pm due to inclement weather. I did not get to teach intro to agribusiness but I knew I would pick it up the following day! I had a productive prep period and prepared lessons for the rest of the week. In agricultural mechanics, students practiced welding T-joints. I practiced as well and showed improvement at the end of the period. After a shortened lunch to accommodate the early dismissal, my third period aquatic resources class was shortened as well. Students took a quiz on water quality up to this point to check for understanding. I taught my lesson on several of the water quality components we will be testing for throughout the remainder of the week. Students completed a current event article, fed the fish, and were dismissed at 1pm!

            On Wednesday, Elizabethtown had another two hour delay. The schedule was a little backwards: 1^st block, 2^nd block, 4^th block, and then 3^rd block. This was to allow 4^th block to “catch up” with the other periods because of so many early dismissals and two hour delays. In second block, students continued welding their lap welds. In fourth block, I taught an intro lesson to the ag business class. I had to leave at 12:30 for an interview and Mr. Anderson took over for the rest of the day. Students worked on vocabulary for the remainder of the block. In aquatics, he taught students the lesson I had planned.

            On Thursday, school was canceled for a snow day! I was happy in a way because I had a bad sinus infection and a rest to recuperate was much needed! Students were supposed to have a half day on Thursday and teachers had to stay the remainder of the day for parent teacher conferences. These ended up being canceled. On Friday, students did not have to come to school as the day was devoted to parent teacher conferences. The day started off with a two hour delay but school ended up being canceled. I still wasn’t feeling the best so another rest day was much appreciated.

            As I reflect on the week and look ahead to next week, I realize that flexibility is key. Even when you think you have everything planned out to a tee, plans can change at the drop of a hat. I am anxious for next week because it will be the first day I teach a full school day (no delays or early dismissals) of all three classes. I do not anticipate snow next week but I guess anything is possible. Students will be finishing up lap welds in ag mechanics and I will begin teaching about electricity. In aquatics, students will begin carrying out various water quality tests and measures. In ag business, I will finish up the intro to economics and begin moving into supply and demand. It should be another exciting week and I hope to get back into my routine of “normalcy!”