Education Commons^™

The Impact Of Notetaking In A Middle School History Class, Marybeth Flietstra

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine the impact of notetaking in a 7th grade World History classroom on learning and engagement. A mixed-methods study of 36 7th grade students was used to determine significant differences between notetaking styles, student performance, and engagement during short class lectures. Post-lecture assessments, Likert-style surveys, and student notes were assessed and triangulated, while interviews and survey questions were evaluated to illustrate common themes and perceptions of notetaking. Data analysis revealed that notetaking does have some impact on both academics and engagement, however, the style of notetaking made a significant difference. Additionally, …

The Impact Of Pear Deck On Student Achievement And Perceptions, Eric Gross

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This research determined the impact of the interactive technology Pear Deck on student achievement and perceptions of learning. Existing peer-reviewed research on the topic is limited. In this action research, the researcher had one 10th grade Global Studies class learn the subject matter from a traditional teacher-led lecture, while the other class learned the same content using a student-paced Pear Deck. The next class day, both groups took the same assessment to measure their achievement levels. The Pear Deck group also completed a brief survey on their perceptions of learning with Pear Deck. The results of the research revealed the …

The Effects Of A Flipped Classroom On Student Engagement And Motivation, Tarence Roby

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The Lone Star High School, which is part of the Frisco Independent School District located in Frisco, Texas is looking for ways to better engage and motivate students in the classroom especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way teachers teach and students learn. The problem is that Lone Star High School students lack the motivation to learn and stay engaged in the classroom setting. The purpose of this school improvement plan was to research the flipped classroom teaching model and to educate teachers through professional development about the benefits of using the flipped teaching method of instruction as …

Impact Of Technology Use On Early Childhood, Paige Davidson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Technology is something that has evolved immensely over the last 20 years and only continues to grow and change. Technology has affected early childhood education, in the home and classroom. This literature review explores the impact of technology use on young children, as well as how educators can support students learning using technology. The literature review will analyze how technology can positively affect student learning through increased collaboration, enhanced engagement, strengthened motivation and creativity. In addition, the literature review will explain how technology can improve academic skills, such as reading and math. Educators are the key facilitators for improving student …

Culturally Responsive Teaching In The Classroom, Deanna Cuffee

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research study investigates the relationship between culturally responsive teaching and the impact on student engagement. For six weeks, the researcher implemented culturally responsive teaching strategies in a virtual first-grade classroom. The participants included fourteen six- and seven-year-olds who attended public school in Northern Virginia. The instruction was completed in a virtual setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the start and conclusion of the study, students were given a survey to measure the class climate. Student engagement was observed daily and documented on a weekly observation tally sheet. The study found that implementing culturally responsive teaching in the …

Gamification Of The Classroom: Seeking To Improve Student Learning And Engagement, Kyle Iverson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find how gamification of the classroom would affect middle school students in a northern suburban school district in Minnesota. This work was designed to find if student proficiency would increase because of gamification and if students would become engaged with the classroom material due to its implementation. Using three classes taught in this new setting and two classes taught in the standard of past years, test scores were measured and studied to find significant changes along with a survey to the gamified classes about their experience regarding engagement. The study found that …

Increasing Engagement During Circle Time Using Technology, Amanda Williams

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

All preschool teachers dream of a way to make all students engaged during circle time. This may seem like an impossible task but this study finds that adding technology during circle time can increase engagement. In this study the teacher and the students will be using a Smart Board as the technology. This is done by using interactive hands on activities allowing the students to be involved in their own learning rather than being lectured the information. In this study a rubric was used to assess the student’s engagement during circle time. Engagement without the use of technology scored a …

Choice-Based Learning In The Art Room, Carrie J. Mathison

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review outlines the basis of the choice-based art education philosophy Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB). The review addresses the history of the philosophy and what it looks like in the classroom setting with a focus on the creativity, engagement, motivation and connections, and supporting student autonomy. The TAB philosophy and pedagogy is based on a three-part theoretical framework of what do artists do, the child is the artist, and the classroom is the child’s studio. TAB is compared and contrasted to traditional Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE). When TAB is implemented, the art classroom looks different and impacts the …

Flexible Seating Influencing Student Engagement, Samantha Burgeson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research project was conducted to determine how much seating options can affect the engagement of students in the classroom and if students are able to identify which seating options help them stay engaged. Students were exposed to a variety of different seating options and allowed to explore each one. Students took a survey to show which seating options they believed helped them stay engaged the most in the classroom. The data collected through the survey suggests that students are engaged in traditional and nontraditional seating options. The engagement levels depend upon the individual student.