Improving Classroom Discipline- Potential Data

Improving Classroom Discipline- Potential Data Collection Strategies Potential Research Question: What technique, or grouping of techniques, would be most effective in improving classroom discipline in a ____ grade general education classroom? There are a number of techniques suggested for improving classroom management and discipline in the general education class. Assuming that there is not a disproportionate number of students with special needs or discipline problems, research will focus on not only describing the most popular, but in finding the most effective for a ____ grade general education classroom.

Some of the methods that may be investigated are: focusing, direct instruction, monitoring, modeling, non-verbal cuing, environment control, low profile intervention, assertive discipline, assertive I-messages, humanistic I-messages, and/or positive discipline. Data Collection and Strategies: One of the most important parts of the research process is the collection of data. The data collected must be credible and valid for the purpose of the research intended or it is of no value to the field.

The best way to establish credibility in research is to triangulate the data, a process in which multiple forms of data are collected, analyzed, synthesized, and compared. In this way, patterns should emerge that create a more robust picture of the research question. In addition to observational and qualitative/quantitative research, it is often useful to collect certain artifacts to answer certain research questions -- from student centered reports to other types of work germane to the issue.

Preliminary Data Collection Strategies: DCS1 -- Teacher Made Tests -- Utilizing some of the test strategies gleaned from initial literature review, construct test or tests designed to qualitatively measure output vs. control group as well as potential other study groups (grade level and ability level DCS2 -- Field Notes/Observational Records -- Observation of the above classes engaged in either a various lessons; take detailed notes on behaviors observed and current strategies being use to refocus or mitigate that behavior.

DCS3 -- Audiotaped Interviews (Children) -- Interview students about ways they believe behavior or management intervention can be effective. Students innately understand that certain behaviors are acceptable and certain ones unacceptable, within the classroom. Use this to get their view on how they believe a teacher can be effective in classroom management and what that means to them. DCS4 -- Interviews with experts -- Similarly, interview experts in the field of behavioral psychology, long-term teachers, or specialists in classroom.