SDAIE Strategy

A successful SDAIE strategy that I have seen implemented in the classroom that I am in, as well as have seen in other classrooms I have observed, is the use of a word wall for explicit vocabulary development. Just having the word wall up with new vocabulary words and pictures is one way, however the way that I have seen it most successful is when these vocabulary words are constantly referred to during lessons, and students direct their attention over to the wall so that they know where the resource is when they need it. Having this as a constant reference during lessons, relates topics from lesson to lesson and reinforces new words so that students can understand and use them.

Another successful strategy that has been used in my classroom as well as other classrooms I have observed, is the use of think-pair-share activities. This has been particularly good because students who are native English speakers can help those students who are learning English to understand new concepts that they might be struggling to understand. Allowing the students to discuss and make sense of concepts together, and then encouraging them to share, either in a class discussion or through a demonstration of understanding by doing a problem, helps them to understand and apply concepts.

Student Literacy Survey

In order to gather information about the students in my classroom, I conducted a short survey to collect information about their attitudes toward literacy and their preferred learning styles. I have provided the questions that I asked the students, as well was the average score of answers given. Many of the averages suggest neutral feelings about the statements, however I also have individual data that I have recorded and can look back on throughout the year. Many of the averages were similar between the classes for each of the statements, which helps me to understand the overall group and how I can structure my lessons to accomodate for their preferences and knowledge.

Student Survey:
1-Strongly Disagree
2-Disagree
3-Agree
4-Strongly Agree

1. Reading is something I enjoy.
Averages:
Period 4 - 2.14
Period 5 - 2.15

2. I like to read for fun.

Averages:
Period 4 - 2.21
Period 5 - 2.38

3. I feel confident in my reading ability.

Averages:
Period 4 - 2.93
Period 5 - 3.07

4. Reading is not important for math

Averages:
Period 4 - 2.03
Period 5 - 2.24

5. It is possible to solve any math problem without being able to read.

Averages:
Period 4 - 2.15
Period 5 - 2.19

6. I learn best by reading information and answering questions.

Averages:
Period 4 - 2.75
Period 5 - 2.74

7. I learn best by doing and solving (hands-on).

Averages:
Period 4 - 3.24
Period 5 - 3.31

8. I learn best by seeing and visualizing.

Averages:
Period 4 - 3.21
Period 5 - 3.12

9. I learn best by listening.

Averages:
Period 4 - 2.74
Period 5 -2.72

10. I work best in groups.

Averages:
Period 4 - 3.06
Period 5 - 2.78

11. I work best alone.

Averages:
Period 4 - 2.44
Period 5 - 2.79

Picture

Where is the problem? This is a photo of a whiteboard in the classroom. It is very difficult to see what the actual problem is because of boards that don't erase well, and pens that are running out of ink.