Well, I think I have decided to end this journey. I really like the idea of teacher inquiry, and I still believe my question and project have merit, but I have no subjects, so without subjects I can't collect data, and without data, I have no project. I recently got in touch with two of my pervious subjects, and one's mom withdrew him from the program stating time issues as her reason. The other subject has returned to Leighton Hall, but I only had initial contact with her, so the mentoring program can't be to blame, and she is being sent to a rehab. program, so I won't have the opportunity to re-initiate contact. I have two potential subjects in my classroom right now, but I have been told that they both will be sent to other facilities upon their release from Leighton.
I feel Jessie's pain. It is very difficult to conduct any type of research without a normal classroom environment. I thought about starting all over, but I have no idea how long any of my students will be here, so collecting data would be a nightmare. If anyone has any suggestions on how to solve this problem, please send them my way. I'll be looking for comments, and still plan on attending the Feb. 19th session, but that will probably be the last one unless someone comes up with an amazing suggestion.
Thanks!
Cherié Baker
Cherie-I'm so sorry to read about your problems, you have such a meaningful idea--don't give up yet.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Cherie...major intervention needed here! You can't quit! If I could drive to Winnemucca right now and visit with you I would! I guess this is the next best thing. To start, what you have done so far is enough to write up your project, the conclusions being what they are, that this is difficult and unexpected things get in the way. Given this, now what? I guess you put the process aside for those two subjects knowing if they ever come back and are released, you continue with the relationship building once again. Okay, that's one thought. Another...again, keep all that you've done and be prepared to write it up. In addition to this, start collecting some general data from your classes: hand out a survey, ask your students about relationships in their lives, what is important to them in way of a relationship, what characterizes a positive and healthy relationship compared to a toxic relationship. Create a survey/questionnaire that gathers a ton of stuff about relationships based on your students general opinions and see what you get. This will be an amazing addition to what you started with this year. You could also ask your students why they think some students repeat/return to your school and why those that escape the cycle are successful. "What would it take to keep you from coming back?" You have so much to work with here, despite not having your focus students. Just gather general data from all students and then analyze what they have said to how your experience with the two subjects you started with relates. This will work, this will be really good...don't give up!!!
ReplyDeleteHope this helps!
Holly
Cherie-
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michele and Holly. Please don't give up! We've all been fascinated by your question and your ideas and it is great research. You've put so much work into this. Besides, do you want to think of me sitting all by myself in Winnemucca? No.........that would be too sad (it's really all about me:)
All my stuff ground to a halt, but I got my interviews done and gathered small bits of data and now I'll see where my reflection will take me. I appreciate the encouragement you ladies have given me. I hope this will help you to hang in there. Holly had some great ideas.