Keeping Track of Student Data Easily

Last week I realized that I have a student who consistently missing their homework, and always has to go to the bathroom during class time! I shuffled through the papers on my desk looking for the check-off record sheets I keep, but really couldn't find clear data on how often my student was missing their homework and how often they were using the bathroom. I knew I had to come up with a better way to track this data. 

I went through the options in my head...a sign-out log for the bathroom (tried it), numbered clothespins for turning in homework (takes too long), and I finally came up with a new idea!

First...the missing homework issue. I created a new Google Form with a few quick questions: name, title of the missing homework assignment, and the reason for why it is missing. Google Forms automatically collects the date from the student. I showed my students how to bookmark the missing homework log, and we were off to a running start! Here is how the Google Form looks...easy right?! 

 After a few weeks, my students were able to remember to fill out the missing homework log survey every time they forget a homework assignment. Table partners are a great reminder too :) My students are 1:1 on Chromebooks, so they can fill out the form quickly and independently. This would still work without 1:1 devices, you could just have a computer or iPad station where students could go to fill out the form.

Now....what about the data? I went back to the edit page on my Google Form and clicked Create a Spreadsheet. Now, Google Forms will create a beautiful Google Sheet for you to see all your student data on missing homework! Below is my class data for the first week I tried this. The first column has the timestamp: the date your student filled out the form. This information is collected automatically. The next column is the student's name, column C is the title of the assignment, and column D is the reason why the assignment is missing. To determine how often a student is missing their homework, click the name column and sort it A to Z. The names will sort automatically and you will be able to instantly see how many assignments are missing from each student.

Next up...bathroom pass data! I typically allow my students to use the restroom any time they need to, but I noticed that the student I mentioned earlier was ALWAYS having to go during writing time. So, when I created the bathroom pass Google Form, I included just two questions: name and the subject we are working on. Here's how it looks:

I created a Google Sheet for the bathroom pass log just like I did for the missing homework log. Now, I am able to have evidence that a student is trying to avoid a particular subject and I can meet with them to discuss why they aren't enjoying the subject.

Google Forms have quickly become an invaluable tool in my classroom. How do you utilize Google Forms in your classroom?