Data collection, display and analysis can appear very daunting and time-consuming for the teacher not used to using data in this way. This chapter takes a quote from the popular movie, "The Patriot," starring Mel Gibson. In one scene Gibson prepares his young son to defend himself against passing British soldiers by handing him a musket and asking, "Son, do you remember what I taught you about shooting a musket?" "Aim small, miss small, Dad." "You got it. Aim small, miss small." This applies to teachers beginning the process of data collection. Aim small, miss small. Gung-ho teachers will want to apply this new learning across their entire curriculum, starting a myriad of data collection plans only to find that they are unmanageable and questions and dilemmas are bound to surface. By starting small, with a small amount of data and one simple data tool, teachers can find early success in learning how to adjust their aim to hit a target without growing frustrated with a large and cumbersome process.

As teachers grow more comfortable with this approach and begin to see results, they will begin to naturally expand the use of the tools in a manageable way. Over time they will see how they can more efficiently collect, input, display, and analyze their data to help them make informed and accurate decisions regarding their instructional strategies. It also helps when they give students greater responsibility in recording and tracking their own data—a great way to increase student motivation and interest.