Madison Metropolitan School District
Design a systematic approach to analyze your data. This may develop
as you become more comfortable with what you are learning.
Do not be afraid to let the data influence what you are learning as you go
deeper with your analysis.
Look for themes and patterns to emerge. Look for those unique ideas
that you had not considered which may influence your thinking.
Make sure that you are organizing your data based on what you are actually
learning from the data, not on the assumptions you bring with you to your
analysis.
Don't censor the data, even if you don't like what you are learning.
Include data that doesn't necessarily reflect change or growth. All
of this is part of the learning experience and can still inform our
practice.
Go through your data several times. New ideas will occur to you with
a fresh perspective.
Think about creating visual images of what you are learning. A grid,
an idea map, a chart, or some visual metaphor are all possibilities to help
make sense of the data and display a powerful presentation of your ideas.
Write lots of notes to yourself (post-its work well) as you are sorting.
This kind of reflection will help you as you step back and try to look
at the big picture.
Share your findings with a colleague. Do new questions emerge from
this discussion?
Let the data influence you. Jot down ideas for actions you will take as a result of what you are learning.
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since March 2001
Last Updated: March 5, 2001
Editor & Publisher: Melanie Donner
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