Processes used to Gather Student Information
Student Profiles
At the beginning of the year I would send home with students a personal profile which they would need to complete and bring back to me. As you can see on the left the questions help to benefit myself to know more about the student and what sort of things they like and dislike. Also by attaching a photo it helps me be able to put a name to a face. These student profiles are something I can refer back to throughout the whole of the school year. To the left you will be able to see a template of a personal profile.
Direct Observation
In the beginning of the year and also throughout the year it is best to do direct observation of all students, this can include keeping anecdotal, running records and a behaviour journal. An anecdotal record keeps track of student development throughout the year, a running record keeps track of the different reading levels for each student. A behaviour journal is good for writing down select information on different students’ behaviour, this should be kept up to date to understand why certain behaviour could be manifesting. Below you will be able to see a template of an anecdotal record and a running record.
Student Portfolios
Throughout the year students work will be collected and placed into a portfolio, work that could be placed in the portfolio include such things as different pieces of assessment from all six Key Learning Areas (KLA) and certificates of which students may obtain throughout the school year. With these portfolios teachers are able to show parents exactly what it is their child has been learning throughout each term. At the end of each term teachers use the content of the portfolio to create student report cards which are then sent home to parents.
Reflection
As a teacher it is important to always keep track of all students learning, this can be done in many ways. As you can see with the evidence provided student profiles are a great way in which to understand how a student may feel towards certain things, direct observations such as anecdotal records, running records and behaviour journals are another way in which to keep track of students learning and behaviour management within the classroom. Lastly student portfolios are the easiest way to keep track of all the work students have done, it is also a great way of knowing where each student is at within their own learning. By using these methods teachers are able to better understand the needs of all their students and to adapt the learning environment for their specific needs.