As teachers, we are intentional with the use of data to help us support our students. We can find data points in various ways, even in Actively Learn regarding our students reading. But what if we made our students responsible for their own data?
Students can easily create reading goals using their own data in Actively Learn. They can compile their data from their various classes, or make specific goals based on a particular class. From each class, they can select “My Data” and see recommendations, their grades by assignment (based on proficiency), their reading pace, and words per second. Additional data includes standards, their vocab look-ups, read-aloud, translations, and notes written. Based on recommendations or the data that they see, students could create SMART goals.
An example might be a student who is writing too few words per response. They could create a SMART goal that helps them to focus on their responses. It might read, “By the end of the Trimester, I will increase my words per response in Actively Learn to Sufficient by reading and rereading the question and using specific details to support my ideas.”
The goal is specific, increase words per response, it is measurable (thanks to Actively Learn), this is attainable and relevant to their reading and writing skills, and finally, it is set within the Trimester deadline. Having students focus on their own reading and writing skills helps their self-efficacy and for them to advocate for their own learning. Here is a little more on SMART goals:
- Specific – What do you want to accomplish? Think of them in terms of the five Ws: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
- Measurable – How will you know you’ve accomplished your goal?
- Attainable – Is your goal practical?
- Relevant – What need does your goal meet?
- Time-bound – A goal needs a deadline to be effective.
BITS AND PIECES 