Exploring the Efficacy of Self-Evaluation in Skills Development
Will Grade 7 students have better success in developing skills if they self-identify a need for personal growth? This is the question that Middle School teacher Greg Ryerson is looking to answer in his Action Research project.
“We are discussing how we use 21st century skills known as the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity) in the classroom," says Ryerson. “The boys crafted a set of ‘look fors’ for each skill and spent time identifying when they demonstrated these skills. They also identified which of these skills had room for improvement.” Ryerson used a self-assessment to help the boys identify the latter. Students then created an action plan to address areas for growth and they have been monitoring their progress over the past several weeks.
Action Research refers to a systematic inquiry that teachers conduct to better understand aspects of their professional practice and to improve how their students learn.
“An interesting finding that has emerged is the realization that these skills are co-dependent,” says Ryerson. “One student noted that ‘in order to collaborate well, I need to be good at communicating my own ideas.’ Another student noted that ‘in order to think critically about a situation, I need to be creative to find a good solution.’"
The final step of the research will be for the students to reflect on the implementation of their action plans, complete a second skills self-assessment, and evaluate how additional improvements can be made.
Regardless of the outcome of his research, Ryerson believes his students will benefit from the process, “We know the 4Cs are essential qualities that students need to succeed in school and beyond,” says Ryerson. “Our focus on skill development will stay with the boys long after the study has concluded.”
Ryerson will present his findings at the IBSC Annual Conference being held at Viaró World School, Barcelona in July 2020.
Learn more about faculty research at Crescent
Back
Action Research refers to a systematic inquiry that teachers conduct to better understand aspects of their professional practice and to improve how their students learn.
“An interesting finding that has emerged is the realization that these skills are co-dependent,” says Ryerson. “One student noted that ‘in order to collaborate well, I need to be good at communicating my own ideas.’ Another student noted that ‘in order to think critically about a situation, I need to be creative to find a good solution.’"
The final step of the research will be for the students to reflect on the implementation of their action plans, complete a second skills self-assessment, and evaluate how additional improvements can be made.
Regardless of the outcome of his research, Ryerson believes his students will benefit from the process, “We know the 4Cs are essential qualities that students need to succeed in school and beyond,” says Ryerson. “Our focus on skill development will stay with the boys long after the study has concluded.”
Ryerson will present his findings at the IBSC Annual Conference being held at Viaró World School, Barcelona in July 2020.
Learn more about faculty research at Crescent
