Assignment 5

 Original Survey   Click here for version 1

 Revised Survey  Click here for version 2

 

Survey Explanation

In planning an evaluation design for the Teen Homework Help Program, the ‘Survey of Homework Skills and Study Habits’ was created. This measure is intended to be used as both a pre- and post-test assessment and will serve two purposes. Foremost, the tool will provide the evaluation team with evidence of the program’s success. One of the primary goals of the program is to improve students’ homework and study habits, therefore designing a measure that assesses the extent of this effect is the survey’s primary intent. Secondly, the survey questions are designed to provide client information that will assist tutors in designing a suitable program for their students.  Although this last element is not productive to the evaluation itself, I believe the types of questions will be invaluable for tutors, beneficial for stakeholders, and the questions are well-suited to this type of introductory survey.   

The questionnaire was tested with four individuals and their feedback was helpful in ensuring that the items met the survey’s goals.  In summary, their suggestions assisted in identifying flaws, ensured that the multiple choice options were more focused, and made certain that the short answer questions allowed for the identification of the student’s difficulties.   

The following changes were made to the initial survey:

SECTION: ABOUT YOU

Question 5: Do you currently receive resource assistance?

The term ‘resource assistance’ was unknown to two of the individuals who took the survey, therefore, the question was changed to:  Do you currently receive extra support at school? (Resource assistance, tutoring, etc.)

SECTION: STUDY AND HOMEWORK HABITS

Question 3: I complete my homework assignments on time.

A sixth option was added to the selections – In only the subjects that I like.

Question 6: I begin a long term assignment shortly after it is given to me instead of waiting until the night before.

Since this question only provided the student with two options, it was changed to: I begin a long term assignment...(2 or more weeks before it is due, a week before, a few days before, a night before.)

Question 8: I get help at home staying organized and completing homework.

This question was asking the student to comment on two aspects of their habits, so the ‘staying organized’ was taken out.

Question 9: I get help from teachers staying organized and completing my homework.

As with number 8, the ‘staying organized’ was taken out and the words ‘get help’ were changed to seek help.

Question 12: I know what my homework is.

This question was simply changed to I know what my homework assignments are.  

Question 15: I can find things in my locker.

This question was taken out entirely, as the individuals who took the survey suggested that the answer to this question would not provide the interpreter with useful information regarding the student’s homework skills and study habits.

Question 16: I ask friends to study or do homework with me.

This question was also removed, as asking friends to study with you may not necessarily be a good study habit. Instead, to get information regarding the student’s study skills, the question was changed to: What study skills do you regularly use? Check all the apply. (highlighting, writing notes, flash cards, rereading text, study groups, other)

Questions added to this section:

Two questions were added to this section in order to get more specific information on how the students felt about their homework skills and study habits.

Question 18: How effective do you believe your study skills are? (very effective, mostly effective, somewhat effective, not effective)

Question 19: Do you wish you had more effective homework skills and study habits? (yes, no)

 

SHORT ANSWER

Question 2: What subject or aspect of studying and completing homework do you struggle the most with?

Since this original item was asking two questions, it was broken into two questions: What subject do you struggle the most with? What aspect of studying and completing homework do you struggle the most with?

Question 3: Why are you seeking help from the homework program?

This question seemed to have an obvious answer, and would not provide the tutor with useful information regarding the student’s habits. The question was changed to: Describe your study routine.

Question 4: What do you hope to achieve by receiving tutoring assistance?

The word ‘specifically’ was added to this question as well as some sample descriptors in brackets. What do you specifically hope to achieve by receiving tutoring assistance? (improved grades in a subject area, improved study skills)

Seeing as some of the questions were adapted from an on-line survey, the revised copy of the questionnaire acknowledged the source of the survey at the bottom of the final page.