Forgetful Students Use Facebook

Abstract

Students always seem to “forget” about the one assignment they have for study hall- grade checks. Since this is a non-graded class, there is no real penalty besides detention. To encourage and remind students about their grade checks, I have used various methods from email to rewards, but all seem to have the same result of forgotten grade checks. The purpose of this action research project is to examine Facebook's impact on student’s perceived attitudes and frequency of turning in grade checks in a sophomore study hall class at a private high school on Oahu, Hawai'i. Students were asked to complete a short survey about their Facebook usage and normal day-to-day activities. Next, students were asked to join a closed Facebook group where I posted grade check reminders, positive reinforcement, and study tips. Lastly, I posted interview questions to the group wall for students to answer. Some students were also interviewed about their participation during class. Overall, there were mixed results in grade check submission by the students but an increase in communication. The group page turned into an efficient communication tool for the students and, especially, the study hall supervisor.