4.3.1 Gather information about mismatches between a student's or group's interactional patterns and those of the school

Adult members of a culture may be able to identify some important aspects of "mismatches" in interactional patterns. However, because the "rules" for interaction are often out of conscious awareness, you may also want to gather other information.

Audio tapes and video tapes of social interaction in schools can be very helpful in identifying and understanding interaction patterns. Hubbard and Power (1993) and Hitchcock and Hughes (1995) offered suggestions to teacher researchers about collecting and analyzing these kinds of data. As mentioned in Step 4.3, Ballenger (1999, pp. 82-99) discussed the methods of data collection and analysis she used in her series of teacher-research studies. Heath (1983; see especially pp. 265-314) reported on how teachers with whom she worked studied their own and others' interactions and then used that information in their classrooms. Sadker and Sadker (1994, pp. 267-269) offered some specific suggestions for collecting observational data on gender-related patterns in classroom interactions.

Previously conducted research about interaction patterns in a particular culture may also be helpful, although it is important in using such data to be wary of possible stereotyping.

If you haven't read the CIP pages for Step 4 or Step 4.3, please do so because they provide information about gathering information for your CIP project.

Success Stories & CIP Studies Related to Mismatches Between Cultures

Reconsider question: 3.3.1 
Develop intervention: 5.3.1 
Guide for Reading Step 4 and Step 5 Pages