T.O.C by Artifact
Artifact Seven: Grammar Plan
Effective methods to teach grammar
This is a partial action research project created during the Developing Word Knowledge course. Since I took this class during the summer, I was unable to implement this project with my students; thus, the results of the study are missing.
Context: At the end of the 2004-05 school year, the seventh grade teachers, including myself, were extremely frustrated when examining our students’ North Carolina Writing Test scores because the majority of students lacked one or two points to achieve a Level 3. We became convinced that if our students could improve their grammar skills, then their test scores would improve. As a result, I initiated a grammar action research project which explored possible ways to improve our students’ grammar knowledge and writing abilities. This fall I did attempt to implement portions of this grammar plan into my lessons with inconclusive results. Hopefully I will be able to continue revising and testing instructional methods so that my students will eventually internalize what effective writing contains.
Alignment: In completing this activity, the following Standard for the Master's Degree program were met:
A. Instructional Expertise
The candidate demonstrates instructional expertise by applying the theoretical, philosophical, and research bases for educational practice in P-12 settings to improve student learning.
This action research plan was specifically designed as response to a problem that we were noticing in our students' grammatical abilities.
B. Knowledge of Learners
The candidate incorporates knowledge of the nature of the learner, learning processes, variations in learning abilities and learning styles, and strategies for evaluating learning into the planning, delivery, and evaluation of instruction.
Any Language Arts teacher realizes how traditional instructional methods for teaching grammar no longer has an effect on students' learning processes. This artifact demonstrates new methods to teach this normally uninteresting subject.
C. Research
The candidate uses research to examine and improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement.
Discovering new teaching methods requires one to research the best methods available and then test theories. This artifact demonstrates my ability to find other professionals' research and theories on the best methods for teaching grammar and then creating my own teaching plan.
D. Content Knowledge
The candidate demonstrates advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in the academic discipline and in education.
Analyzing the research findings and classroom practices assisted me to create new classroom practices which focus on students who are able to manipulate their written language.