Alternating-Treatment Design
Independent
variable:
The independent variables are the alternating interventions of Guided
Reading of the children's literature books and book reviews from professional
sources; small group discussion of the aspects of book reviews; the
discussion/teaching of the art of writing a book review.
Dependent
variable:
The dependent variable is the evidence of the reading and writing
connection after reading various book reviews, that is the components of a book
review are incorporated into the students' written children's literature
book reviews.
Procedure:
By writing a book review, students can crystallize, extend, and deepen their
responses to literary work. Book
reviews are a valuable form of reader response and a vehicle to practice
summarizing and develop higher-level critical thinking skills such as
interpretation and evaluation.
·
Baseline:
Students read a variety of children's literature books without discussion
and are asked to write book reviews that includes a summary and evaluation.
·
Intervention 1:
Students read a variety children's literature books while the teacher is
using a Guided Reading approach to discuss the nuances of the story. The students are asked to write book reviews that includes a summary and evaluation.
·
Intervention 2:
Students
read and examine a variety of book reviews from professional journals. Students meet in small
groups to examine the book reviews to discuss the various aspects/components of book
reviewing and develop a checklist for book review writing. The teacher models
how to write a book review using the student generated book review
checklist. The students read a variety of children's literature books and write book
reviews using the book review checklist generated in class.