The main tool I use for behavior data is observation. I also email teachers and ask them how the student(s) are doing. When observing behaviors several factors need to be taken into consideration. I look at where the class is (that the student is having problems in) scheduled in the day, it could be first thing in the morning when the student is half asleep or it could be after the student has had 4 core subjects in a row and is needing a physical outlet like PE. In my experience students are rarely a problem in all of their classes so looking at the classes that the student does exhibit behavior problems in it could be a simple solution like scheduling. Also other students in the same class can be distracting and can also have behavior problems that cause students to negatively feed off of each other. Sometimes a student and a teacher simply have personality conflicts and can't get along very well, I have seen that one a lot!! The point is when I get feedback from teachers I try to look at all angles to get a better understanding of what is going on. That way I can be more effective in helping both the student and the teacher!
For years, I've used an Excel spreadsheet to total and chart my peer comparisons during observations. I also have several teachers who are using the Class Dojo program to chart students progress on the few priority behaviors on their goals. Most students seem to enjoy the reinforcement and being able to see their progress and it seems to help keep the whole team focused on those priority behaviors. I have noticed, several of the paraprofessionals helping chart during times they serve are willing to use their own phones to log in.
I looked at several behavior apps for the iPad, they all seemed pretty pricey to me. The least expensive one I saw was $29.99. Currently, I am not using an app for charting behavior, like Lois indicated, Excel spreadsheets work. And, I can use those on the iPad along with the other Office components; I can’t see spending money for an app I don’t currently need. If someone comes up with a good one, please do let me know and I’ll give it a try.
I agree with you on this, too, Jerrie. Behavior and observations apps are something we've talked about/looked into during a few of our categorical meetings, but so far, we really haven't been able to find something we love either (Especially for the price we want to purchase it at, haha!). If we ever do find anything, though, I'll try to remember to let you know!
I like using a visual timer with some of my students to help them with their on-task behaviors or when a student needs a cool down time I can set that up on my screen on the iPad or on the white board and they can see how much time they have without a word being spoken. I have also used it for charting and rewarding on-task behavior too. Class Dojo several of the teachers I work with this year have tried it but it becomes very time consuming and after a while with the little ones the novelty was gone and they were not motivated by it.
For the most part I use observation and then I also have a way to keep track on pages using iPad. Then I email teachers as well and talk to paras who work with the students. Hopefully then I have a good picture of what is going on with a student and can help.
A couple of the tools that I use for data collection are observation and behavior tracking sheets. I also like to talk to the teacher prior to creating a behavior sheet so that I know that we are tracking the right behavior. I then use the data from the observations and tracking sheets to decide what needs to change or what can be modified int he classroom environment. I keep the data sheets in my file drawer and I have a collection sheet that I track that daily data on. It's a process that I have found works for me.
Like most everyone else has mentioned, the best method to me for getting behavior data is observation and taking some type of notes (dependent on the type of behavior you’re looking for, of course). I know other psychs have looked into a few observation apps, but so far haven’t really found anything too outstanding. Also, a couple of the tools just basically mimic what I’m already doing, so in my mind, I can’t really justify purchasing an app when it’s not going to do anything different or be any more convenient.
The main tool I use for behavior data is observation. I also email teachers and ask them how the student(s) are doing. When observing behaviors several factors need to be taken into consideration. I look at where the class is (that the student is having problems in) scheduled in the day, it could be first thing in the morning when the student is half asleep or it could be after the student has had 4 core subjects in a row and is needing a physical outlet like PE. In my experience students are rarely a problem in all of their classes so looking at the classes that the student does exhibit behavior problems in it could be a simple solution like scheduling. Also other students in the same class can be distracting and can also have behavior problems that cause students to negatively feed off of each other. Sometimes a student and a teacher simply have personality conflicts and can't get along very well, I have seen that one a lot!! The point is when I get feedback from teachers I try to look at all angles to get a better understanding of what is going on. That way I can be more effective in helping both the student and the teacher!
ReplyDeleteFor years, I've used an Excel spreadsheet to total and chart my peer comparisons during observations. I also have several teachers who are using the Class Dojo program to chart students progress on the few priority behaviors on their goals. Most students seem to enjoy the reinforcement and being able to see their progress and it seems to help keep the whole team focused on those priority behaviors. I have noticed, several of the paraprofessionals helping chart during times they serve are willing to use their own phones to log in.
ReplyDeleteI looked at several behavior apps for the iPad, they all seemed pretty pricey to me. The least expensive one I saw was $29.99. Currently, I am not using an app for charting behavior, like Lois indicated, Excel spreadsheets work. And, I can use those on the iPad along with the other Office components; I can’t see spending money for an app I don’t currently need. If someone comes up with a good one, please do let me know and I’ll give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Jerrie, I don't think that I would want to spend that kind of money on an app that I wasn't sure would work for me.
DeleteI agree with you on this, too, Jerrie. Behavior and observations apps are something we've talked about/looked into during a few of our categorical meetings, but so far, we really haven't been able to find something we love either (Especially for the price we want to purchase it at, haha!). If we ever do find anything, though, I'll try to remember to let you know!
DeleteI like using a visual timer with some of my students to help them with their on-task behaviors or when a student needs a cool down time I can set that up on my screen on the iPad or on the white board and they can see how much time they have without a word being spoken. I have also used it for charting and rewarding on-task behavior too. Class Dojo several of the teachers I work with this year have tried it but it becomes very time consuming and after a while with the little ones the novelty was gone and they were not motivated by it.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part I use observation and then I also have a way to keep track on pages using iPad. Then I email teachers as well and talk to paras who work with the students. Hopefully then I have a good picture of what is going on with a student and can help.
ReplyDeleteA couple of the tools that I use for data collection are observation and behavior tracking sheets. I also like to talk to the teacher prior to creating a behavior sheet so that I know that we are tracking the right behavior. I then use the data from the observations and tracking sheets to decide what needs to change or what can be modified int he classroom environment. I keep the data sheets in my file drawer and I have a collection sheet that I track that daily data on. It's a process that I have found works for me.
ReplyDeleteLike most everyone else has mentioned, the best method to me for getting behavior data is observation and taking some type of notes (dependent on the type of behavior you’re looking for, of course). I know other psychs have looked into a few observation apps, but so far haven’t really found anything too outstanding. Also, a couple of the tools just basically mimic what I’m already doing, so in my mind, I can’t really justify purchasing an app when it’s not going to do anything different or be any more convenient.
ReplyDelete