Action Research & Analysis (Blog 2)

I collected a variety of anecdotal data. I've been interviewing students about their thoughts on our classroom community, I've incorporated specific activities that encourage collaboration, and I've been reflecting on my evaluations to look for patterns in my work.

I've found that I definitely seem to prefer partner and small group activities over whole-class community-building. I think the whole-class stuff scares me a bit because I don't have as much control over every student's experience.

I've also learned that I subconsciously set the stage for these activities by being more engaging and talkative with my students during passing time. I'll joke around more, ask them weird questions, and make commentary to create a higher energy so my students feel it and buy into the activities.

I definitely need to start doing whole-class community-building activities. I think they're ready. Am I? Who knows. I'll just throw myself into it and make it work!

I've also found myself blaming my lack of community on the messed-up year. My classroom still is unfinished and I'm missing basic needs and no one will give us answers about these problems. So my attitude is kind of negative.

It's been interesting so far!

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