"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn." ~John Cotton Dana

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Double Journal Entry Action Research Part 1


1.      What is the title of the project?

 Using Readers Theater to Show Off Good Reading
 
2.      What is the question?
 
How can I effectively utilize Readers Theater to improve the fluency and reading comprehension skills of my students?
 
3.      What strategy is being used to address?
 
Simulations and Games- the students are modeling theater by reading the text out loud.
 
4.      What evidence is being presented that the strategy will work?
 
The National Reading Panel in 2000 identified fluency as a major component to students’ success in reading efficiency and comprehension.  Readers Theater can have a positive effect on fluency.
 
5.      How will data be collected to determine if the strategy will work?
 
Data will be collected through surveys, fluency assessments, and observation.
 
6.      How was the data analyzed?
 
A survey was given at the beginning and end of the study to gauge students’ reading habits and interest in reading.  A fluency assessment was given four times over the study to assess improvement in word recognition, reading rate, expression, and comprehension.  Student performances of scripts were taped and assessed for improvement in fluency.
 
7.      What were the results?
 
There were improved levels of fluency and comprehension, as well as word recognition and reading rate.  All students improved in some way, but gains were not equal for all students.  The surveys showed that attitudes toward reading also were more positive.
 
8.      How do the results inform teacher practice?
 
Teachers should make an effort to include Readers Theater in their reading programs to improve students’ performance and attitude toward reading.  Readers Theater can also be an engaging way to help struggling students with their fluency.

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