Education Commons^™

Teaching Fact Fluency Through Focused Strategies, Kelly Jahn, Joan Selle

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The action research study was conducted in two third grade classrooms in North Dakota. There were 23 students in one class and 20 in the other. All but one student was Caucasian, and all were middle to upper class. This study was conducted to focus on the rate of improvement of fact fluency through focused strategies. Pre-assessment data were collected in the form of surveys and baseline assessments given to students. Students were surveyed on feelings toward mathematics, addition, and fact fluency. Students were also given a baseline assessment to demonstrate prior abilities before the intervention. After pre-assessment data were …

The Effects Of Leveled Book Room Resources On The Attainment Of Reading Standards, Deanna Krueger

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The objective of the research was to establish if a well-stocked, leveled book room and the resources contained within it could affect the acquisition of rigorous Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The research was conducted in a second grade classroom in a public elementary school in the upper Midwest. The five data sources utilized in the study included a reading leveling system, a student survey, district-developed baseline assessments, teacher-developed formative assessments, and teacher observations. The data revealed a respectable increase in students that became proficient in the four targeted standards, but a significant surge in students that achieved measurable growth …

Implementing A Successful Collaborative Learning Environment, Andrea P. Beasley

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research report summarizes a study of 65 diverse student learners in a 10^th grade AP US History class. This research investigates the implementation of a collaborative learning environment to elicit positive effects on student attitudes toward learning and their achievement. To gain pre-intervention data, students were surveyed on their attitudes and took multiple-choice assessments. During the intervention period, students completed surveys regarding the effectiveness of the collaborative learning implementation and completed multiple-choice assessments. After the interventions, students were surveyed again on their attitudes toward learning. The results demonstrated insignificant effects on student attitudes but improvements in student …

Positive Behavior Intervention And Support On The Playground, Teri M. Miller

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to implement the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model on the playground environment and determine the effects on student behavior observed during recess. The study was conducted at an elementary school with first grade teachers and students. Data collection methods included surveys, student goal sheets, and a web-based application, School-Wide Information System (SWIS), used to document referrals on playground behavior. Results from the eight-week study yielded positive results, showing a dramatic decrease of problematic behaviors on the playground. Recommendations based on the results of the investigation include creating Active Recess (AR) …

The Effects Of Using Ipads To Increase Basic Math Fact Automaticity, Nicholas P. Sunderman, Kyle S. Shaughnessy

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Our investigation was on the effects of using iPads to increase basic fact automaticity. We wanted to explore what strategy worked best to increase fact fluency: flashcards and paper/pencil practice or iPad practice. The project took place in one fourth-grade classroom and one fifth-grade classroom. The fourth-grade classroom had twenty-one students. The fifth-grade classroom had twenty-two students. We collected data with pretest and posttest instruments. We also collected data through weekly observations. Students using the iPads were also monitored using the Moby Max fact fluency program. The results indicated that daily flashcard and paper/pencil practice provided a higher rate of …

Language Acquisition: Effectiveness Of Collaboration On Teacher Practices And Beliefs, Kara-Lisa Mitchell

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Language Acquisition

Abstract

The effectiveness and challenges of teacher collaboration as a tool to drive teaching outcomes has been observed in various educational settings. This research project was designed to answer the question, “Would collaboratively creating a Useful Words Handbook for teachers increase the number of language teaching opportunities that could occur during the day?” This action research project, conducted in a Montessori preschool setting, focused on two classroom teachers who educate children between the ages of two and three. Three intervals were identified for data collection. Four weeks of collaboration on the Useful Words Handbook began after two weeks …

Using Common Formative Assessments To Guide Fluency Instruction, Kelly Adrian, Abbigail Volek, Christa Ranweiler

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

In the Spring of 2013, first-grade literacy data were reviewed and we concluded that changes needed to occur with teacher instructional methods to ensure growth in student reading fluency. We collaborated to find what effect common formative assessments would have on teachers’ abilities to help students meet reading fluency benchmarks. Data were collected on 52 first-grade students within three classroom settings. Throughout this process, teachers monitored student progress toward proficiency in reading fluency, in particular rate, through the use of common formative assessments, teacher observation notes and teacher collaboration. After the data collection period, results showed that the use of …

Improving Kindergarten Students’ Knowledge By Enhancing Engagement In Literacy Centers, Magdalene B. Pearson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The action research was conducted in a kindergarten classroom with 18 participating students, in a Northern Midwest elementary school. Baseline data was collected by assessments in the areas of letter identification, onset sounds, rhyming, and concepts of print. Literacy centers were set up for students using differentiated activities in these areas. Conferencing with students and formative assessments were used for monitoring student progress and engagement in the literacy centers of Read to Self, Word Works, Writing Center and Listening Center. The students were assessed again at the end of the research period. The results of this study showed increased learning …

The Effects Of A Rubric Used As A Formative Peer/Self Evaluation Tool, Nicole E. Vaith

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The action research study was conducted in a public high school in an upper secondary classroom setting; three classes were included, with 91 students from a variety of backgrounds. This investigation was intended to examine how the rubric used as a formative peer-evaluation tool and self-evaluation tool affect student confidence in understanding assignment expectations and overall objective achievement. Baseline data was collected, regarding students’ initial understanding of the assignment expectations. Peer-evaluation and self-evaluation data was collected. After the peer and self-evaluation data was collected, students participated in a post-survey. Both data regarding understanding of assignment expectations, and overall objective achievement, …

Montessori Middle Schoolers Mastering Mathematical Concepts Through Real-World Connections, Gwendolyn M. Harris

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of incorporating mathematical projects involving real-world situations into the mathematics curriculum on student’s mastery of mathematical concepts in a Montessori middle school program. The research study was conducted in a private Montessori middle school program with seven, seventh grade students. Data collection methods included archived pre-test and post-test scores from the past two years’ seventh grade students, pre-test and post-test scores from this years’ seventh grade students, field notes, narratives, and student surveys. The student’s displayed excitement in the incorporation of mathematical projects within their mathematics curriculum and …

Impact Of A Transition-To-School Program On Parent Involvement And Teacher Satisfaction., Mary Akatu-Speakman

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to implement a transition-to-school program and evaluate its impact on parent involvement and teacher satisfaction. This action research study was conducted in a toddler and early childhood program at a Montessori school. This study involved teachers, administrators and parents. Prior to implementation of the transition-to-school program, a transition focus group was convened among teachers and administrators. In addition, data from previous years on parent attendance and involvement were gathered to measure any changes following implementation. The transition-to-school program was developed from feedback offered by teachers and administrators, and field research. After the transition …

Cultivating Engagement And Improving Reading Scores Through The Cosmic Curriculum, Kacee Weaver

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

The intent of this research was to determine the effect of focusing on cultural lessons as a way to increase student engagement and reading scores. The research study took place in a Montessori charter school in an E1 class, focusing on ten specific students ages six through nine. The four sources of data collection used in this research included pre and post reading scores, student writing samples, an observational checklist and student conferencing. While students’ reading scores did not improve writing scores did. Data also showed an increase in interest in cultural subjects as well as an increased interest …

Improving Assessment Scores Through Daily 5 Math, Brandy Geloff

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The intent of the research was to determine how incorporating Daily 5 Math into daily instruction would improve standards based assessment scores. The research study took place in a first grade classroom located in Bismarck, North Dakota. The four data sources of data collection used in this research included district standard based assessments, a student survey, teacher observations, and common formative assessments. The data showed an overall increase in students’ assessment scores from trigger scores given at the beginning of the year to baseline scores, four weeks later. Students were very proud of their accomplishments over such a short period …

The Effect Of Title 1 First Grade Math Intervention, Amanda J. Jensen

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study investigated the effectiveness of two Title 1 math groups in a Title 1 neighborhood school. Each Title 1 group was composed of four first graders who were flagged as needing number identification intervention support by using Aims web, an online assessment tool. The action research examined the growth of the students’ number identification 0-20 over a 3 week intervention period. Daily formative assessment was used to guide instruction, students were part of the goal setting and tracking process, and students were progress monitored weekly using Aims web. After the 3 week intervention, the number identification Aims …

Engagement Of Advanced Learners Through Differentiation Of Content, Kristi Meyer, Dayna Zins

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The action research study was conducted in third and seventh grade classrooms. The target group consisted of ten students of different genders and ethnic backgrounds. This study was focused on the engagement of advanced students through differentiating of content using various reading levels. For the purpose of this study, advanced students were students who were comfortable with classroom “norm” but needed to be challenged. Students were taught two lessons, one using the same level of text for each student and one using varied levels of text. Student engagement was observed by educators during the lessons. Groups were assessed using the …

The Effects Of Using Math Talks To Improve Instruction In A Kindergarten Classroom, Julie Frank

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The action research study was conducted in four kindergarten classrooms, involving seventy-seven students and four classroom teachers. This investigation was intended to examine the effects of using math talks to improve the quality of math instruction. In order to implement math talks the teachers participated in fifteen hours of math talks coursework. Teachers were surveyed to gather baseline data to rate current math instruction experience. Teachers also completed weekly reflection surveys and were asked to communicate thoughts in relation to math instruction. Ten random students were surveyed to determine response to math. Four math talks lessons were video recorded and …

Improving Homework Completion By Improving Class Website, Marcy Kickhafer

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The investigation was intended to find the effect of improving a class website would have on improving homework completion in algebra 2 classes. The research was conducted in two algebra 2 classes at the secondary level. There were sixty-nine students ranging from grades ten through twelve involved in the study. The majority were from white middle and upper class families. Thirty-eight of the participants were students who I had in a previous mathematics course. The data collection instruments used were student surveys, teacher grade books, homework checklists, and a website tracking service. The data showed a positive effect on student …

The Relationship Between Grit And Montessori: An Educational System, Asma Nayef Dahbour

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Montessori and Grit 3

Abstract

Grit, patience and perseverance are cornerstones of Maria Montessori's pedagogy and the basis of this research. The purpose of this study is to describe how grit, patience and perseverance are character traits that help students reach their highest academic potential, and are essential to students' capacity to succeed and accomplish long-term goals. I used qualitative and quantitative inquiry to determine if the Montessori method elaborates grit and patience in children. The research took place in a children's house classroom located in an urban Montessori school. The results determined that students who received a Montessori education …

Learning Through Movement: Integrating Physical Education With The Classroom Curriculum, Nicolas Lepine

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

The purpose of the experiment was to find if integrating physical education with the culture curriculum would enhance participation and increase learning in the classroom. The experiment was conducted at a Montessori school with one hundred elementary students split into a control group and experiment group. The control group received the traditional established physical education lessons while the experiment group received lessons integrated with culture themes. A pre and post assessment were given to the students to track improvements in concept retention.Observations were made during the lessons and a survey was given to the supervising teachers. There was not …

Using The Guided Math Framework To Provide Differentiated Instruction, Sarah C. Donovan

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The action research conducted in this north suburban public elementary school included twenty-one mathematics student participants in my homeroom, and a cohort of fourteen participants who have been my students as third and fourth graders. I examined teaching strategies that are instrumental in providing quality education for all learners, specifically differentiated instruction through Guided Math. This framework of instruction, designed by Laney Sammons, takes into consideration daily data collection about each student’s ability, learning style and learner profile. These considerations allow teachers to fine tune instruction for struggling students and higher achieving students. In this study, I compared diagnostic assessment …

Closing The Reading Fluency Gap In Six Minutes, Amy Hanzal

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to determine the effects of the implementation of the intervention, The Six Minute Solution, on student oral reading fluency scores. The research study took place in two small reading groups at Rita Murphy Elementary school in Bismarck, ND. One group consisted of three third grade students and one fourth grade students. The second group was made up of three fourth grade students. A total of four data sources were used in the collection of data. These data sources included a district required assessment; AIMSweb benchmark and progress monitoring, The Six Minute Solution …

Effects Of In-Class Formative Assessments And Student Contracts On Homework Completion And Summative Assessments, Brian Robertson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study was designed to see the effects of formal formative in-class assessments and student contracts on homework completion and summative assessments. The study took place in a small rural high school in Northeast Minnesota and the participants consisted of three sections of intermediate algebra classes of students from eighth grade through twelfth grade. All three sections used the formative assessments, while one of the sections used student contracts in addition. Data collection included three different surveys taken at different times throughout the study, teacher observations of the study, and results of homework completion and summative assessments. The results of …

The Effects Of Self-Determination Theory On Montessori Kindergarten Student’S Math Knowledge And Attitudes, Matthew P. Anderson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

SDT AND MONTESSORI KINDERGARTEN MATH 3 Abstract This action research examined how fostering student autonomy, competence, and relatedness as described in Self-determination Theory (SDT) improved the Montessori kindergarten student’s motivation to choose work from the math curriculum? By increasing the kindergarten student’s knowledge of the Montessori math curriculum sequence, an attempt was made to increase their autonomy, competence and relatedness as it pertains to choosing math work. The data collection consisted of a student survey and questionaire that was administered before and after the introduction of the action research interventions. Teacher observations were also helpful when determining if students were …

Monkey See Monkey Do: Modeling Positive Behavior In The Classroom, Stephanie Espe

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

The research experiment was conducted at a dual language Montessori school in a lower elementary classroom that contained first grade students. The classroom contained thirteen students in total, with five boys and eight girls, and two head teachers. The research investigated if peaceful lessons (grace and courtesy lessons) and peaceful teacher modeling would affect the student’s behaviors and concentration in the classroom. The research began with baseline data collection through student interviews, student work, and a behavior tally sheet completed during the great work period in the morning. After the first two weeks of school, daily peaceful lessons were …

Literacy In Kindergarten: Using The Montessori Method In Combination With The Daily 5 Method, Andrea Nydegger

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

This action research project was conducted to investigate the impact of merging the literacy program The Daily 5 with the Montessori Method of reading instruction. This project was intended to study the independent reading stamina of the students. It was conducted in a public Montessori School with kindergarten aged students from an early childhood classroom. There were 13 students participating, six girls and seven boys. Pre-assessment data was gathered in the forms of a parent survey and a baseline student reading assessment. Student stamina was recorded on a daily log and student reflections were recorded once a week. After …

The Impact Of Inferring Word Meaning: Context Clues, Aubrey Wilson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

The intent of this action research project was to determine the impact of context clue strategies on the ability to infer meaning from context. The study was conducted in a public Montessori school with 13 students in the 3rd grade with varied ability levels. In order to gather pre-assessment data, children were assessed on their ability to derive meaning directly from clues they found in context. Various context clue strategies were presented and practiced. During this time, data was collected using observations, student journals, and conferring. After the research, children completed a post-assessment to track changes and improvement. The …

Increasing Homework Quality And Completion Through Improved Student Engagement, Amber Gullickson, Amanda Primus, Eric Primus

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The objective of our action research project was to determine if improved student to teacher engagement would lead to increased homework completion and quality. Our research focused on a kindergarten classroom consisting of 18 students and an EBD resource room consisting of 17 students in grades 7-12. We collected data from student interviews, student surveys, classroom observations, and homework completion charts. The survey dealt with students’ feelings toward homework and the student interviews dealt with what motivates the students. The results showed that students who felt appreciated were more engaged and were more motivated to complete homework. We plan to …

The Effects Of Reading Strategies In Comprehension For Elementary Age Learners, Jennifer Blickenstaff, Ellie Hallquist, Kandi Kopel

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Increasing reading comprehension is a vital skill to improving general reading skills. Teachers can incorporate the specific reading comprehension strategies of 5 finger retell and fluency checks. We worked with elementary aged students from average 4th grade and kindergarten classrooms and a center-based classroom for students with Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD). Data were collected to determine the effectiveness of both the 5 finger retell and fluency check strategies that were implemented during our six-week study to improve reading comprehension. Following the six week study period, data analysis indicated that student reading comprehension increased in all study groups. As a result …

The Influence Of Character Education On Positive Behavior In The Classroom, Matt Montonye, Sonja Butenhoff, Shawn Krinke

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

One basic goal of all educational systems should be to prepare students to be effective members of a society. For these reasons, it is imperative that school districts and educators across the nation look at developing, implementing, and teaching students basic character education traits. Our team explored the influence character education had on positive behavior in our classrooms. Specifically, our data comes from two English Language Learner classrooms containing 33 total juniors and seniors, and one traditional English class containing 25 total seniors. We collected four types of data, including pre and post-surveys, PACK Referrals, a daily observational Tally Sheet, …

The Effects Of Technology Integration On Student Engagement, Justin Banitt, Sharon Theis, Lucas Van Leeuwe

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

No abstract provided.