Don't get me wrong, I know that many teachers hate data because of the time commitment it can be and the pressure it seems to put on classroom staff. But I have to admit that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE data and everything that has to do with data..... I love collecting data, I love interpreting data, and I love graphing data! I haven't always loved data though- over the years, I've found a few systems that make data collection a little easier and quicker.Alphabet book during circle time:
I use this alphabet during our morning meeting/ circle time to teach letters and take data on letter recognition. Students can verbally say the letter, match by pointing at letters in their personal books, or match by pointing at the letter that's the same at the bottom of the page. I currently have 2 students who are working on identifying letters, so I have a little card Velcroed at the top of the page with the corresponding letter and the student's initials. If the student gets the letter correct independently, then I remove the little letter card and put it in my pocket. At the end of the lesson I can then record all of the cards/letters that the student got independently without trying to take data wile I'm teaching the lesson.
Clickers/Tally Counters:
They are amazing for tracking the total number of high and low frequency behaviors. I keep one on my lanyard and use it to keep track of the total number of self-injurious behaviors of a specific student. It's so easy to just click away throughout the day and then record the total at the end of the day!
They are amazing for tracking the total number of high and low frequency behaviors. I keep one on my lanyard and use it to keep track of the total number of self-injurious behaviors of a specific student. It's so easy to just click away throughout the day and then record the total at the end of the day!
Pennies in pocket:
Use small items in your pocket to collect frequency counts. Simply put a bundle of pennies (you can also use beads, paper clips, or any other small object) in your left pocket. Every time the behavior occurs, move one penny into your right pocket. At the end of the day (or mid-day) count the pennies in your right pocket and record the total number of pennies/ occurrences of the behavior. I find this super easy to do because it allows me to leave the pen and clipboard behind!
Use small items in your pocket to collect frequency counts. Simply put a bundle of pennies (you can also use beads, paper clips, or any other small object) in your left pocket. Every time the behavior occurs, move one penny into your right pocket. At the end of the day (or mid-day) count the pennies in your right pocket and record the total number of pennies/ occurrences of the behavior. I find this super easy to do because it allows me to leave the pen and clipboard behind!
Do you have any super quick and easy data collection systems? I'm always looking for ways to make it easier for me and my paraprofessionals!