B A C K G R O U N D
We asked the grade 10 and 11 students to think critically about their study habits and effort during the 1/4 system, and gathered data about homework.
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We decided that analyzing engagement, focus, determination, and work load were essential components to the success or failure of the 1/4 system.
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Below are some student responses.
In your own words, how would you describe your work ethic? (ie: how are your study habits, discipline, etc)
"EFFICIENT."
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"VERY FOCUSED."
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"WORK HARD AND I TRY HARD."
"SELF MOTIVATED, HARD WORKING."
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I will do the work assigned but if I feel I already know the topic I will skip a few questions
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I’m a very disciplined student and learn best by doing and taking notes
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Study habits are good, need to work on time management
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I have good work habits and discipline I do my homework and I work hard
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I like to get things done early that's why I found the Quarter System really helpful because we finish stuff in just a short span of time
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I study really hard and do all the homework
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I have good study habits and tend to start studying early
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I think I have good study habits when I enjoy and understand the content we’re learning. I try to keep studying consistent just so I don’t fall behind in work
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I am very motivated and have excellent study habits and organization
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Do homework in class, study the things I don’t understand at home, study the night before tests
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I think I have high goals for myself, but having the motivation to actually work for what I want is where I can fall short. I get distracted somewhat easily and I also get stressed out easily.
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I procrastinate a lot and I do bare minimum​
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I think I try hard to make sure I know all the stuff I need to know but I don’t stress about completely knowing it
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I study when tests come up
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It takes me a while to do the homework because there’s just a lot of it and it makes me lose motivation to do that much in one night. It also takes me a while to do it because after 3 hours of math, I don’t want to continue doing 2+ more hours of work when I get home
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I have a good work ethic but if I get too stressed out and there is too much pressure I shut down
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My work ethic isn’t that great due to distractions when I do my homework
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Tries to do most homework. Does not usually study
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Not very good, I’ll study when I need to but I procrastinate ​​
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"rough."
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"i have no motivation."
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"no efficiency."
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"terrible."
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"not very good."
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"rarely study."
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"I PROCRASTINATE."
considerations: motivators
1/4 system is composed of two periods a day, each class being 3 hours long. How focused are you during a 3 hour class?
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Sitting for extended periods of time during the three hour classes are shown to be difficult for students to stay engaged. By incorporating movement in an activity, retention is increased by 20% (Luyckfasse, 2019).
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Locke's (1990) Goal-Setting Theory relies on establishing specific goals which are critical to an individual's motivation. By clearing establishing daily learning outcomes, students are aware of what they need to achieve and therefore can be motivated to stay engaged which is critical for these long classes. Additionally, when students are aware of what they are going to learn they can self-monitor, be accountable, make adjustments to their learning, and ultimately learn more (Davies, 2011).
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Self-determination Theory (SDT) can be used to motivate student learning by emphasizing a students intrinsic motivation, that is the incentive to achieving something for their own personal sake (Deci, E., & Ryan, R., 1985). This can be useful for promoting students to maintain focused and dedicated to their studies throughout the 1/4 system as their efforts will benefit them in the long run.