This is an example of an initiative I am considering starting within my classroom, but to be effective it would need to be trialed first and modified to the specific class I would be teaching. I would love some feedback on this idea if possible.
Running Records
The Idea:
This idea stemmed from a conversation in an English tutorial about Running Records. Most people felt that starting to do running records are extremely beneficial to gain a thorough understanding of the child’s capabilities, however they did take a lot of teacher time and analysis.
My idea was to record the students as they read so that their samples could be analysed at a later time… with a little more thought this idea grew. What if on the computer were many different samples, increasing in level? A teacher could have it on the computer and compare the child’s reading. They could save the child reading using a headset, then gain another sample in a terms time to see the comparisons.
As it is being recorded, it does not take the teachers time away, however there would still need to be an adult present to assist the child. A teacher could train parents or support teachers in assisting the children, but still maintain the child’s sample.
Other Considerations
This was plausible, but even further into this concept was accountability. If this worked, then this would be a particularly beneficial article for parents to hear at parent teacher interviews or at other times. When they approach a teacher, the child’s files can be accessed, parents can listen to the child read, see what errors are being made.
Using a program like excel to record errors in a graph, or microsoft powerpoint to show parents the errors the child makes would be beneficial, but what about the time it takes for teachers to analyse errors? A small annotation of the errors could be made first, then for each child it would simply be a manner of copying and pasting the right annotation. From this it would be easy to see what errors the child is making and how specific teaching can help to cater for the child’s progress (individual learning programs).
An overview:
* Beneficial for time – can get many children to record on the computer fairly quickly.
* Beneficial for the parents – a clear sample of the child’s reading, tailored learning programs
* Teacher is not solely responsible for having to take over 20 running records, they can be assisted by other teachers or parents (or even older students!)
Click the link below to see an example of a reading and powerpoint created by me. Although it is only me reading, I attempted to make the errors plausible, possibly related to a stage 2 or 3 class.
Example of a Running Record – Powerpoint
Some concerns:
* Gaining enough samples of text to conduct a running record
* Copyright on the texts (although 10% for education purposes should be suffice, or simply the teacher can create their own text).
* Space on the computer to save sound recordings
* Quality of sound recording
* Parent training in reading with children (allowing enough time to think and try).
* Child protection, ensuring the samples are within school protocol of computer use.
Click to go -> Back to Samples of Work.
Thank you so much for sharing this example of a running record through the use of powerpoint. I love how you can compare what the child says directly above to how it is supposed to be read.
I am a visual learner, so colouring linking to different things really would help me.
Initially the concept of running records scared me, and I thought it was too much to take note of in such a small sample of text.
I also like the idea of using computer technology for recording, because it can be easy to keep track of progress and be able to compare the abilities of all students.
By: Monika on October 13, 2008
at 12:37 pm
Well done Ann-Marie!! You have put a lot of thought into this initiative. I think it’s a great idea and I would definitely use this method in my classroom. It would be so much easier to record the children’s work and analyse later because in my own experience it is so hard to give your full attention to the group reading whilst the rest of the class also need your guidance. Your ideas are much more time efficient!
Congrats!
Susan.
By: soozie22 on October 13, 2008
at 3:12 pm