I do not take data during the entire session, and I’m sharing why in this episode. I know there are some exceptions to the rules because administrations or districts require one thing or another, but I want to convince you to think about data a little bit differently.
I’m not saying not to take data, just not to take it the entire session. Imagine that as you’re working, someone came and observed you and jotted down notes the entire time. You would be pretty nervous right? Imagine how our students feel. If they are constantly being assessed, they’re going to have some anxiety and it could affect their ability to perform optimally.
If we are constantly evaluating our students, when will we have time to teach them? With things like articulation, studies show that the more drilling, the better. But you can’t do that if you’re evaluating them all the time.
The more you focus on the child in front of you and the anecdotal data versus the data marks, the more they will be engaged. They are going to be more willing to take risks and have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful. That itself is so much more valuable than the data marks.
In This Episode You’ll Discover:
- The effect constant assessments can have on our students
- Making time for teaching and practice instead of collecting data
- Behavior issues that could arise when the SLP is not engaged in the lesson
- Working on the fundamental skills needed to reach goals
- The importance of focusing on the child rather than the tally marks
- Allowing students to self-monitor
I hope you found this episode helpful! Remember, It’s a matter of looking at the whole picture with the student in front of you and not being so focused on that end goal all year round. You can still get your trials in and get the data you need without doing it all in one session.
What are your thoughts on not collecting data for the entire session? Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know!
If you want an easy way to collect data during your group therapy sessions, check out my free group therapy data forms here!
Joke of the Week:
Q: Why do calculators make great friends?
A: Because you can always count on them.
Resources Mentioned:
Get my free group therapy data forms
Where We Can Connect:
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