Popplet

7th Grade ELA

David Bruder

Problem Identified: Students have a difficult time identifying main idea in a nonfiction text.

Hypothesis: If students use Popplet to record and manipulate text evidence, they could more easily identify the main idea of a nonfiction text as measured by the accuracy of information recorded and organized on popplet.

Data Collection: Students who requested to work with Popplet emailed link to teachers upon completion of reading assignment. Students first worked in pairs to complete Popplets together, then transitioned to individualized Popplet assignments.

Actionable Step:

• Provide traditional mini-lesson teaching around main idea

• Main idea practice with annotation and notetaking strategies

• Preview Popplet with students

• Provide students choice on how to complete main idea activities/notetaking

• Compare students’ attempt at traditional notetaking strategies with Popplet practice

Overall Findings/Impact: The class was split (50/50) on wanting to try out the Popplet notetaking strategy. Many felt beholden to the traditional notetaking in their writing notebooks, but some (especially students with assistive technology and nest) enjoyed using Popplet to organize their ideas. It cut down on the organizational component of note taking that can be difficult for some. It’s certainly not something I would mandate the entire class do on a consistent basis, but the more technology-inclined students may benefit from having a systematized plan for capturing notes.