This document summarizes an action research project aimed at increasing student engagement in a 7th grade girls' chorus class. Over five weeks, the teacher tested different teaching methods including using warm-up CDs, having a student director, accompaniment CDs, and sectionals. Off-task behavior was tracked each week. The addition of these elements generally reduced off-task time, especially in the first 10-20 minutes of class. Student surveys found the top reasons for off-task behavior were talking, joking around, and other students. Technology like CDs and Smart Music, as well as small groups and student leadership roles, helped increase engagement.

1. A.R.T.S. APS Active ResearchReginald SandersCohort 2

2. Action Research Problem StatementThere is a problem at Sammye E. Coan Middle school. Specifically the problem is maximizing engagement and participation in choral class. Currently students are losing focus and talking excessively causing a loss of instructional time. Currently detention, additional work, and administrative referrals are given to address the problem.

3. Aim: Find and implement creative methods to maintain a high level of student engagement.

4. Test Group/ Domain7th grade Girls Chorus3rd period 18 students60 minute classMeeting time 11:45-12:45B Day only

5. MethodOne week of off task count with normal rehearsalSurvey of students’ opinion of classroom climateOne week off task count with the addition of a warm-up CDOne week off task count with the addition of a Student DirectorOne week off task count using all three CD, Student Director, and accompaniment CDExtra: One week off task count placing each section on smart music/ garage band or computer applications while the other part rehearses with teacher.

6. Off task count Week #1Average percentage of students off task during a normal class rehearsalFirst ten minutes: 50%Twenty minutes: 9%Thirty minutes: 90%Forty minutes: 30%Fifty Minutes: 30%Sixty Minutes:20%

7. Off task count Week #2Average percentage of students off task during aaltered class rehearsal using warm-up CD’s First ten minutes:15%Twenty minutes: 20%Thirty minutes:14%Forty minutes: 30%Fifty Minutes:2%Sixty Minutes: 5%

8. Off task count Week #3Average percentage of students off task during aaltered class rehearsal using warm-up CD’s and student director.First ten minutes:11%Twenty minutes: 15%Thirty minutes:25%Forty minutes: 40%Fifty Minutes:12%Sixty Minutes:10%

9. Off task count Week #4Average percentage of students off task during aaltered class rehearsal using warm-up CD’s , student director and accompaniment CD’sFirst ten minutes:10%Twenty minutes: 11%Thirty minutes:22%Forty minutes:41%Fifty Minutes:21%Sixty Minutes: 16%

10. Off task count Week #5Average percentage of students off task during an altered class rehearsal using warm-up CD’s , student director, accompaniment CD’s, and sectionals/ small groups: First ten minutes: 5%Twenty minutes: 13%Thirty minutes:18%Forty minutes: 30%Fifty Minutes: 5%Sixty Minutes: 10%

11. Off Task Count ResultsAverage percentage of students off task during an altered class rehearsal:First ten minutes: 10% Change of : -40%Twenty minutes: 15% Change of: +6% Thirty minutes: 20% Change of: -70%Forty minutes: 35% Change of: +5%Fifty Minutes: 10% Change of: -20%Sixty Minutes:10% Change of: -10%

12. Results of student engagement and participation ComparisonPercentage

13. Survey Data Result

14. Off Task BehaviorContributing Factors:Students were given a survey containing nine open response questions.Students completed the survey anonymously to ensure they answered honestly. The top factors were:Number one contributing factor 80% Talking and or Joking aroundNumber two factor: the other students around them.Number three factor: Song SelectionClass selection: Students being placed in chorus without choice or placed in wrong choral level class

15. Action Research ProcessStep one: Live Warm-upsMake varying CD’s with the warm-ups already prepared.Allow one student to run the entire warm-up routine with the teacher facilitating. Question 3 from the survey: Would you like to have student leaders for rehearsal? The results were50/50 split when it pertained to another student leading,however, 95% wanted to be a student leader.

16. Action Research ProcessSteptwo: Add student director.usingvarying CD’s with the warm-ups already prepared, allow one student to run the entire warm-up routine with the teacher facilitating. Question 3 from the survey: Would you like to have student leaders for rehearsal? The results were50/50 split when it pertained to another student leading,however, 95% wanted to be a student leader. Students were extremely vocal about who should be chosen to lead them.

17. Action Research ProcessStepthree: Get from behind the piano.Make CD’s of accompaniments for each song in repertoireStudents used them in sectionals and small groups.Students used them to record themselves and use Smart Music. Some students even requested a copy for home rehearsalCd’s allowed me to let the choir keep singing while, I could physically walk in the midst of them for independent diction, breathing and posture correction.

18. Solutions: What Did Not WorkComputer software such as Musictheory.net trainersRandomly picking student directors Using New student directors every rehearsal

19. Solutions: What WorkedThe use of technology such as Cd’s and Smart MusicSmaller groups or sectionalsAllowing students to earn a chance to lead their peers