Action Research Design Outline
What is the topic of your action research?
The topic of my action research is to find out what the impact of using a digital math app called Progress Learning within a flex blended approach is like on the quality of academic math performance in a 3rd grade classroom.
What is the purpose of your study?
The purpose of the study is to evaluate how the integration of Progress Learning, project based learning, small group instruction, and a learning management system, like Schoology affects academic achievement, student engagement, and overall comprehension in math.
What is your fundamental research question?
In what ways does the use of Progress Learning impact the quality of academic math performance in a 3rd grade classroom that is using a flex blended learning approach with Schoology, project based learning, and small group instruction.
What is your research design? Qualitative, quantitative both (mixed-methods) Why?
For my research design, I will be using the mixed method approach of both qualitative and quantitative analysis. A qualitative analysis will assess the student engagement, their confidence, and teacher observations. And, a quantitative analysis will measure the students performance and growth through the actual scores of assignments, and tests.
What is the most appropriate type of data to collect?
The following is the most appropriate type of data that I will need to collect:
Qualitative Data:
- Teacher observations of student engagement and participation with project based learning, and small group instruction.
- Teacher feedback and reflections on the effectiveness of flex blended approach.
- Student surveys on confidence and level of math learning.
Quantitative Data:
- Student completion rates of lessons and the time that they spend on tasks in Schoology.
- Math benchmark scores from the school year to track student progress.
- Pre and post assessments using Progress Learning to measure math proficiency.
What types of measurement instruments will you use?
The following measurement instruments that I will use are:
- Progress Learning analytics and reports, such as student scores, time on task, completion rates
- Pre/Post tests that are aligned with 3rd grade math standards
- Surveys and interviews of students and teacher perspectives on engagement and learning
- Observations and checklists for feedback on interactions and engagement in the classroom and with project based learning
What is the focus of your literature review?
The focus of my literature review will be on the following:
- Flex blended learning environment integrating Schoology – to show how technology supports personalized learning and student achievement.
- Digital Learning tools, such as Progress Learning – to research how adaptive learning platforms can impact math outcomes.
- Project-based learning (PBL) – students will implement projects that they can apply to real world scenarios to foster deeper understanding, problem solving strategies, and critical thinking skills in math.
- Small group instruction – the effectiveness of applying differentiated learning and providing academic support.
- Student engagement and ownership – having choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning opportunities, or COVA, in a created significant learning environment, or CSLE.
Conclusively, my action research and study plan will provide insights on how using a digital learning application, such as Progress Learning will help improve math proficiency and student engagement in a 3rd grade classroom. The results of my findings will guide teachers in refining instructional strategies in a blended learning environment that uses Schoology, project based learning, and small group instruction, as well as integrating this digital math tool to enhance the learning process for all students.
References
Buckler, V. (2019, February). The Benefits Of Collaboration In Project Based Learning. Magnify Learning. https://www.magnifylearningin.org/project-based-learning-blog/the-benefits-of-project-based-learning-collaboration
Francis, J. (2022, August). 5 Benefits Of Small Group Instruction W/ Lesson Plan Examples. Alludo Learning. https://blog.alludolearning.com/benefits-of-small-group-instruction
Horn, Michael B. & Staker, Heather. C. O. (2015). Blended, Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools. Jossey-Bass. San Francisco, CA.
Mertler, C. A. (2019). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
The Pros and Cons of Learning Management Systems. GoGuardian. February 4, 2021. https://www.goguardian.com/blog/learning-management-systems-pros-cons
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 