Education Commons^™

Leveling Up Instruction: Action Research Evaluating The Impact Of Gamification On The Intrinsic Motivation And Academic Performance Of Students Disaffected From High School English Language Arts, Michael Brian Jett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the impact of gamification on the intrinsic motivation and academic performance of students disaffected from high school English language arts (ELA). Three questions guided this study: (a) how does gamification affect the intrinsic motivation of students disaffected from high school ELA, (b) does gamification affect the academic performance of students disaffected from high school ELA, and (c) what recommendations can students offer after reflecting on their experiences with gamification?

The game elements of challenge, narrative, role-play, and teamwork were incorporated into the design of a five-week instructional unit focused on research …

An Exploratory Study Of The Effects Of A Technology-Based Graphic Organizer And 1:1 Chromebooks On The Persuasive Writing Of Third-Grade Students, Kathy L. Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative action research was to determine the effectiveness of a technology-based graphic organizer on student achievement, engagement, and motivation in writing. The study explored the usefulness of incorporating a mindmapping program, using Chromebooks to assist students when brainstorming ideas for a persuasive essay. Further, this study examined third-grade English language arts students’ perceptions of the use of technology to write persuasive essays using a specific writing prompt.

The teacher-researcher collected and recorded data on eight third-grade students over seven days. To identify and validate the study’s findings, field notes, student interviews, student reflective digital journals, surveys, …

The Effect Of Ethnic Identity On Motivation To Bephysically Active In Schools In Hawai’I, Nathan A. K. Kahaiali'i

Theses and Dissertations

This cross-sectional study examines if there is a relationship between student ethnic identity and their motivation towards physical activity (PA), with a particular interest with students who self-identify as Hawaiian. Results indicate that there is a small but positive correlation between motivational indices and measures of ethnic identity. This study surveyed 301 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from one of the Hawaiian Islands. The survey consisted of the Situational Intrinsic Motivation Scale (SIMS) instrument (Guay, Vallerand, & Blanchard, 2000) to measure motivation of PA and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised (MEIM-R) instrument (Phinney & Ong, 2007) to measure ethnic …

Reading Conferences And Impact On Literacy Learning, Ashley Butenewicz Danter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how student discussions during reading conferences impact literacy learning in the areas of student comprehension and motivation. Surveys, interviews, audio recorded discussions, and notes in a teacher research journal were all analyzed for emerging themes. The findings show that reading conferences have a positive impact on student literacy learning, specifically that there was an increase in reading comprehension and motivation. The data also revealed the major role that critical, multicultural texts have on reading comprehension and motivation for reading when coupled with reading conferences. Implications for future research are discussed.

The Underrepresentation Of African American Doctoral Students In College Of Education Disciplines At Hispanic Serving Institutions And Emerging Hispanic Serving Institutions In The Southwest United States (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada And Colorado), Matthew Lloyd Atterberry

Theses and Dissertations

African Americans are underrepresented in higher education, especially in the graduate and doctoral level. Furthermore, research has identified numerous factors influencing African Americans to pursue doctoral studies in College of Education disciplines at postsecondary institutions of higher learning. However, there is a gap in the literature pertaining to factors influencing African Americans to pursue graduate and/or doctoral studies in College of Education disciplines at Hispanic Serving Institutions and Emerging Hispanic Institutions of higher learning in the Southwest United States. The purpose of this study is to bridge the gap pertaining to demographic factors in relationship to motivation and self-efficacy (Confidence) …

Motivating Critical Thinkers In Fourth Grade Science: Action Research Promoting 21st Century Skills Through Technology Integrated Project-Based Learning., Diane Lawson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the integration of technology with project-based learning to determine its effect on critical thinking, science content knowledge, and motivation for science learning for fourth grade students. There is increased motivation for student-centered learning environments that engage students in critical thinking, motivating students to learn in active ways that relate to the real-world applications. Project-based learning is based in constructivist learning theory, where students construct knowledge through active learning strategies. This research explored three questions related to increasing science content knowledge, critical thinking skills and motivation to learn science content through the …

What Drives Educators: A Mixed Methods Study On The Impact Of Motivations And Attitudes On Technology Integration Practices In The K-8 Classroom Setting, Janel Ann Reyneke

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the rapid pace at which emerging technologies are evolving, many educators fell apprehensive toward shifting their pedagogy to stay relevant with technology adoption practices and 21st Century learning expectations. There is limited research connecting the adoption practices of early and late adopters to individual inherent motivational preferences. The goal of this multi-phase sequential explanatory mixed methods study sought to produce detailed findings of early and late adopters' tendencies and establish a connection to their motivation and integration practices. Additionally, this research sought to discover the impact that attitudes and perceived/actual barriers have on resistance to technology integration.

K-8 …