"...examined the effects of student learning in a small group versus working individually when students were using technology. They found that small group learning had more positive effects than individual learning." I'm glad to hear that the study found this since this is how my classroom is run most of the time. I am very fortunate to have a tiered computer lab as my classroom so whether it be in my business classes or technology classes, the students are always working on the computers during their learning activities. The majority of the time during the learning activities, the students are working with a partner or in small groups. Two + heads are usually better than one! :) I think it is good for students to share their ideas, talk about differences they might have which often times creates questions that they ask me for clarification, and the students have the opportunity to teach, support, and challenge each other during the small group collaboration.
"...students in classrooms where technology was moderately used were found to be on task significantly more of the time than students in the other two groups - in which technology was infrequently used or in which technology was slightly used." Again, this is really nice to hear since my students are using technology during 90+% of the class time on a daily basis. This point isn't surprising to me though. It makes sense that students are more on task when using technology because technology is often times fun and engaging....and also the way that our students have grown up learning.
"...more and better research needs to be funded and conducted by researchers in this area." I realize research is important but I always struggle with how research studies are conducted. I used to be very involved with a national, well-known charity but decided to use my time and talents elsewhere after seeing how frivolous their spending was. For example, the planning committee would meet once a month to talk about the yearly fundraiser and the organization would pay for our lunch (~15 people, ~$12 lunch per person, once a month every month = $2,000 every year that goes towards restaurant bills for the volunteer committee versus that money going towards research for the organizations main focus). So, I know the research needs to be done to know the most effective way to use the technology but there are so many schools out there that don't even have the technology available or the professional development funds to teach the teachers how to use it. How much money is spent (or wasted - depending on your viewpoint) on the research that could be used to get the technology into the schools and as staff development for teachers to learn how to use it? I realize the research done by Marzano might not have been done in this manner like I mentioned with my personal experience but when I hear "research" is being done, my personal example is the first thing I think of. Like most first impressions, they are lasting impressions...
Becky,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your reflection, I feel that I understand the study a little more. After reading the study myself, I found it confusing. But I did seem to pull out some of the same important parts that you did. I also reflected about how small group instruction had more positive effects than individual work. Small group work time allows students to work together and help each other with any questions or problems they may have. This is a great opportunity for students to show they understand what was being taught, but they can still ask the teacher for help if needed. I also have students work together in groups for some assignments, and I enjoy watching them "teach" each other.