Tracking Toward Engagement: Examining the Influence of a Competitive Participation Tracker on Middle School Students

Abstract

This study examined the implementation of a competition tracker in a middle school band program. It aimed to discover the potential increase in turn-in/participation rates in a Concert Band compared to a Symphonic Band, as well as student perceptions of the competition tracker. These classes were skill-based ensembles of seventh- and eighth-grade students, with Symphonic Band being the more advanced ensemble. Collected data included surveys, focus groups, field notes, and turn-in data. This study took place over a four-week time period. Data was coded using the constant comparative method, grouping together similar themes in the data to create 15 level 1 codes and 4 level 2 codes. The four level 2 codes that emerged were movement and progress, reactions and emotions, thoughts, and outcomes. Quantitative data consisted of the analysis of student turn-in rates as well as student answers on the Competition Tracker survey