While reviewing the raw data for test scores 6-10, what became evident was the large group of students that were falling behind the class average. Approximately 15 students were behind with about half of that group being well below the average. Through use of the chart option I was able to see that although a certain group of students were not achieving as well as others, those students were showing a slow progression towards the rest of the class. As a teacher I would question what type of methods that I was using to instruct, more than half of my students being below the average would create a high level of frustration on my part. Lesson plans leading into test #6 and #7, where this group of below average students had little success might need to be adjusted. It could be that I was not meeting the needs of these particular students.
On another note whatever the methods that I used towards the end of the testing cycle was working well, because more than half of this group showed gains. Almost 5 of these students reached the class average, and this shows many more students exhibiting proficiency in these sections of the class. Adaptations in lesson plans is only one way that teachers can adjust to raise students success. In the case of some of these students, their achievement may be dependent on outside circumstances. Therefore I would look to find out if these students were experiencing problems outside the classroom, and this could explain the lack of success.
I'm viewing your 3 sheets (Sheet 1, Below Average Students, and Graph).
ReplyDeleteIn Sheet 1, I believe you have the overall test average for Tests 6 - 10 as 187.8. This value is somewhat close, but not accurate. However, you lucked out in that it did not affect any of the students who would be in that group!
More importantly, please carefully re-read the assignment instructions to make sure you have included all of the requirements. Please feel free to observe the Posted examples I provided from other students, as this will clarify what is left to do.
The average (mean) you calculated in Sheet 1 represents the statistical middle of all the students, right? Therefore, one would expect quite a few students both above, and below this average. So, the statement that confuses me a little is "... half the students are below the average and that would cause frustration." Not exactly sure how to interpret that.
ReplyDeleteNice observation on the number of students who did raise their test average up and above the original overall average.