Rachael Curtis

EDE 4944

Inquiry Wondering Blog

Internship this semester has so far been challenging and rewarding. Ive noticed from the very
beginning how much structure and explicit direction these second graders require. Constant
engagement is necessary to maintain interest throughout the school day. From my data, I am
wondering is there a lack of motivation in my second grade classroom?!

DATE

DATA

8/24

I was told that expectations are not there

the first day (or few) because they forget.
Starting from the very first day of being in
a new environment, could there be a lack
of awareness due to expectations being
given after the fact?

8/24

Students are given direction they will

always line up in ABC order. If this
method was practiced and more
structured, could they have a better
grasp of how to transition from class time
to forming a line? For example, if they
have a better cue/signal to line up, the
process would go a lot smoother. Further,
possibly having cues on the floor so
every student knows where to stand,
then essentially no excuses could arise.

9/2

Students are given a packet of bell work

to complete each week (Pictures
coming). Why does it seem as if no one
ever actually cares for them? If a new
approach is taken on completing and
going over bell work, could something
drive the students to wanting to complete
every page, and try to answer correctly?!
1. Will count how many are
actually off task

Rachael Curtis

EDE 4944

Inquiry Wondering Blog

9/2

Students are told they must start reading

in their heads and can no longer whisper
read because of being in second grade,
and told that reading out loud makes
someone read slower. Could this effect
some readers interest in reading all
around?!
1. Will count how many students
prefer to read in their head vs.
whisper voice

9/3

Students are told to take notes. Do

students know what this means and does
the meaning of what should be written
down become misconstrued?

9/3

On this particular day I recorded data

that Jermy (pseudonym) has a strong
focus. Why has this student seemed to
have lost some of the focus he used to
have? If its nearly one month later
(10/5), and a student appeared to have
strong focus then, how has the focus as
a class changed or stayed the same?!
1. Will find an example of how
Jermy has lost focus

9/3

Every student was taking a turn to

demonstrate a topic for science, when
one student was showing he was scared
so he was skipped. I decided to motivate
that student and encourage him myself to
overcome his fears, which he did. What
would have happened if he was not
motivated to take that risk that learning
requires?

9/17

Had student instruct the class about

where to glue the charts.

Rachael Curtis

EDE 4944

Inquiry Wondering Blog

9/23

A particular ELL Im working with tends to

show effort with extra motivation. Hes
less willing to ask questions, and/or try
when hes not being motivated. If there is
a lack of motivation, could he fall further
behind especially considering being an
ELL?

9/30

The week prior, I had signed agendas

and dismissed the class for the day when
I noticed a students reading log
completely blank. Considering it was
already far enough into the school year I
was concerned why this student felt the
need not to read. If I hadnt given the
student a book of interest to read and set
a goal to read at least three pages by the
next week I was there, would he have
started to read or continued his year with
a blank reading log?

!
!

On several occasions, working one-on-one with students or whole group, Ive noticed a lot of
reactions that are, I cant, I forgot, I dont know, I dont know how to try, etc. This trend sticks
out to me as a classroom environment that is lacking motivation. Once there is something to be
achieved, or an aim, students suddenly show interest and more effort. For example, I have tried
a mystery walker on 3 different occasions now. Once we leave the classroom for specials and
return from lunch, a mystery walker is announced and rewarded with a sucker and sticker. The
strongest observation I made was the student who is normally struggling to stay controlled was
quiet, unseen, and setting an example. Using different motivation techniques during the day, I
feel this second grade class could benefit in many ways.