Doggone It
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Approach:  One to one
Level: Year 4 and year 8
Focus: Convey information  
Resources:
2 identical photo cards
FRAME 192Kb
Questions/instructions:  


Give student one photo card.

We both have the same card showing 12 different pictures of dogs.
Choose one of the dogs to describe to me and I will try and guess which one it is. Describe what it looks like but don’t tell me the kind of dog it is, or where it is on the chart, or what else is in the picture.
When you’ve finished your description I’ll tell you which dog I think it is.

Allow student time to complete giving their description.
Is there anything else you can tell me about the dog?
1. I think the dog is …...

Am I correct?

If not correct:
2. Tell me some more to help me work out the dog you have chosen.
3. I think the dog is …...

Am I correct?

[Click on graphic to enlarge.]
 
% responses
y4
y8
Extent to which the first clue reduced the number of dogs to consider:
substantially (removes 6 or more)
50
60
moderately (removes 3 to 5)
16
18
not at all or very little (removes 0-2)
34
22
Extent to which the second clue reduced the number of dogs to consider:
substantially (removes 6 or more)
37
45
moderately (removes 3 to 5)
25
25
not at all or very little (removes 0-2)
38
30
Down to one dog before teacher prompted:
60
76
Teacher identified correct dog:
first attempt
71
88
after further information
22
8

Total score:
7
11
21
6
16
22
5
26
27
3–4
31
23
0–2
16
7
Subgroup Analysis [Click on charts to enlarge] :
Year 4
Year 8
Commentary:
Year 8 students were somewhat more strategic than year 4 students in their choice of clues, but substantial numbers of students in all subgroups at both year levels scored well. Mäori students performed similarly to Pakeha students at both year levels, with Pasifika students not far behind at year 8 level.