EDUC 6653: APP 3: Writing Research Questions

Problem Statement:

I plan to determine the impact of a classroom environment, in which each student has constant and immediate access to computer technology, including the Internet, on the motivation and understanding of mathematics by 7th-grade students, as measured by student surveys and teacher observation of time-on-task and engagement (motivation) and Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) scores (understanding).

Who: 7th-grade students
What: classroom environment with computer access for each student
Why: impact... on motivation and understanding of mathematics

Research Questions:

1. Is there a significant difference in engagement and motivation for students having immediate and constant access to computer technology in the classroom compared to that of students without such access?

This research question would lead to a qualitative methodology. Dr. Canipe reminded us that, “Questions regarding experiences or stories imply a qualitative methodology” (Laureate Education Inc., 2008). This question would be answered with anecdotal evidence submitted by the teacher, based on his/her observations, and by information gathered from surveys given to the students. Since it is based on the experience of using computers consistently to enhance learning, this question leads to a qualitative research methodology.

2. Does immediate and constant access to computer technology lead to more significant gains on a student’s MAP score than when such access is not available?

This research question would lead to a quantitative methodology. Dr. Canipe also reminded us that, “Questions regarding numerical data imply a quantitative methodology” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). The answer to this question will be found in the analysis of the students’ test scores, specifically their Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) scores, which is given three times throughout the school year. Since the primary research of this question is based on numbers and test scores, this question certainly leads to a quantitative research methodology.

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program three. Research Questions [Motion picture]. Introduction to educational research. Baltimore: Author.

Reformulated Problem Statement

I plan to determine the impact of a classroom environment in which each student has constant and immediate access to computer technology on the motivation and understanding of mathematics by 7th-grade students, as measured by student surveys and teacher observation of time-on-task (motivation) and Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) scores (understanding).

Who: 7th-grade students
What: classroom environment with computer access for each student
Why: impact... on motivation and understanding of mathematics

EDUC 6653: APP 2 Problem Statement

I plan to determine the impact of a 1:1 classroom environment on the motivation and understanding of mathematics by 7th-grade students.

Who: 7th-grade students
What: 1:1 classroom environment
Why: impact... on motivation and understanding of mathematics