Scaffolding Inquiry Learning to Develop Writing Skills

with Digital Graphic Organizers Karen

Simmons

April, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS• Participants• Problem• Needs Analysis• Theoretical Framework• Intervention Plan• Mind-Map Examples in

Popplet.com• Results• Limitations• Excitement for Future

Participants4th Grade

Class A (Inquiry-Based)

20 students

Class B (Traditional) 20 students

Yet, 4th graders are expected to write a

comprehensive analysis.

The Problem

Writing is difficult for them.

4th graders do not like to write.

85% scored below proficiency for lack of details

63% scored below proficiency for lack of text evidence

Needs Analysis Two Writing Prompts

72% skipped graphic organizer

28% of students – liked writing

Needs Analysis Writing Attitude Survey

67% of students – did not like

5% of students - neutral

Theoretical Framework

Inquiry LearningScaffolding

support learning

Lev Vygotsky

facilitator

teacher

digital

tutor

John Dewey

Intervention Plan

Scaffold Inquiry Learning

with

Digital Graphic Organizers

(5-week plan)

Intervention Plan

Digital Mind-Map toolPopplet.com(easy, fun, free)

Adding the Topics and Details

Adding Questions Arthur Costa’s Three Levels of Questions

Factual (What?)Interpretive (How or Why?)Reflective (Should or Could?)

Researching and Adding the Notes

Writing and Scoring the Essay

Scored by an

External Evaluatorwith a teacher created

Rubric(based on CCSS)

Great Results…. Class A - Inquiry Based Class B - Traditional

Class A Improved 22%

over Class B

Surprising Results… Stratified Samples

Group 1(Special Needs)

Improved 49%

Group 2 (Regular Ed.)

Improved 44%

35% of students – liked writingMost felt better about themselves as writers

Results Writing Attitude Survey

20% of students – did not like

45% of students - neutral

External Evaluator

SOME LIMITATIONS

Group Selection

Research

Time

Students Showed Substantial Growth!

I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT…

Pre

Special Needs StudentsImproved

more than others.

Special Needs Intervention - For Future Study

Post