Reflection | context-clues

Fourth Step: Reflect on Action Research Experience

Successes

The number of students that said they needed help with vocabulary decreased.
95% of students' attitudes toward themselves and reading improved.
75% of students' SRI scores increased!
Overall reading comprehension has improved. Students are better able to recall the information they read in our small and whole group times as well as make deeper connections to any text they read.
Our class grew from 23% of students being proficient in reading for the end of the year in third grade to 55% of students being proficient in reading!
I am better able to effectively analyze the data I collect in order to guide my instruction to better meet the needs of all students.
This action study has helped me become more solid and consistent as an educator. I have gained the knowledge and experience in taking action and completing research on effective strategies as well as implementing those effective strategies in the classroom in order to give my students the support the need to be successful.

Before I began my action research, I looked at the data that was given from last year as well as my daily observations to determine in what subject and content my students needed the most help. The two data points I looked at were SRI scores and students' reading attitudes. After I completed my action research, I wanted to see if these two data points had changed in a positive way.

Challenges

There was not enough time to teach Context Clues in different contexts within the 7 weeks. I taught it during reading lessons only rather than in social studies and science lessons. Next year, I will begin implementing the context clues strategies earlier on in the school year.
It was difficult to compare how students used the strategy when they were all on different leveled texts. Although the independent practice was the same for all students, I would like to have more specific practices and examples for each reading group for using context clues. This way I can accurately see if students are understanding the strategy and how it is used.
It was difficult to connect context clues to other content, especially math. One way I would like to incorporate context clues into math next year would be with word problems.
I would need a couple more weeks to help the students become aware of how to transfer skills from one content area to another. I would explicitly model how to take the context clues strategy and use it in a variety of texts and content areas.

What I Learned

CADRE has been a wonderful program that has provided many opportunities for me to grow as a teacher in every aspect. My action research was a success that came with many challenges, but I would have not done it any differently than the way I did. Staying dedicated to this research was crucial in its success. I learned that dedication and hard work are both essential in order to presevere and reach goals. I gained new insights and experiences with strategies and techniques that not only enhance my own education, but will in turn be given back to my students through rigorous instruction. My action research taught me to become more purposeful in everything that I do as a teacher, student, and professional. I say student because, I too, learn alongside my students. My research taught me to be a reflective individual in everything that I do. Great teachers reflect on their students' learning and progress as well as their instruction. Learning how to analyze and understand the data collected throughout this research has added a deeper understanding on the purpose behind assessment and what to do with data collection. I will be able to use these skills from here on in my teaching career in any content area needed. I feel confident when it comes to planning instruction around my students' needs based on the data collected. I know I will be able to provide numerous opportunities for all of my students to succeed and grow in their learning in the future as well as continue to grow myself as an educator.

While completing the research and action plan for my Capstone project, I realized a lot about myself as an educator as well as my educational beliefs. I learned that once I have something planned in my head that I know will benefit my students in a great way, there is close to nothing that will stop me from trying my hardest to implement that strategy. I know that my first priority is my students and their needs both inside and outside the classroom. I believe that every child has the ability to learn and succeed; they just need the support and guidance from more positive and encouraging adult figures in their lives, and that is what I plan to be for each and every student that comes along my path. This project has taught me to stand up for and support my students in every way that I can. Hard work truly pays off.

What Does the Future Hold?

After completing my action research, I know using context clues is an effective strategy to improve reading comprehension. My favorite part about my action research was seeing the positive results and growth with all of my students! Knowing I taught an effective strategy for all of my students to use throughout their education is a great feeling and goes to show how hard work and determination help in reaching goals. For next year, I now have an effective and promising strategy under my teaching belt that I know will aid in students' reading comprehension. I want to teach context clues closer to the beginning of the year next year because students will have that strategy in their brains when they are reading independently. I feel if they know about the strategy and are able to have multiple opportunities to practice and work with context clues in all content areas, they will become more successful through the entire year. Also ,they will become experts at using context clues earlier in the year which will in turn give students more responsibility and ownership to their reading rather than having to turn to me to determine unknown vocabulary. Context Clues have proven to be effective and an easy way for students to improve their reading comprehension, even on higher leveled texts. I can not wait to implement context clues in my classroom next year!