Action Research (5315) Week 2 Outline Assignment
                                                         Robyn Payne (ADL Focus: Project-Based Learning & E-portfolios)

Name: Robyn Payne
EDLD 5315
Outline Assignment

 

I.    What is the topic of your action research?

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a “teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects” (What Is PBL?, 2024). The topic of my action research is how implementing all of the completed phases of Project Based Learning and showcasing the student's learning journey through e-portfolios can potentially impact the achievement, growth, and ultimately engagement of 4th-grade students in mathematics. 

II.    What is the purpose of your study?

The purpose of my study is to inform and influence other educators on the impact that the Project-Based Learning model and e-portfolios can have on the achievement and growth of elementary students (as it relates to my innovation plan). Depending on what the research shows, Project-Based Learning in the elementary classroom, with the use of e-portfolios to showcase work, could potentially achieve great success for our learners.

III. What is your research question? (Start with How does or In what ways…)

In what ways does the Project-Based Learning model, with the combined use of e-portfolios to showcase work, impact student math achievement and growth in my 4th-grade class?

IV.    What is your research design (Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed Methods)

My research design will be a combination of both methods. Student achievement can be measured through quantitative data, while student growth can be measured through both quantitative and qualitative data and behaviors. Students can show growth through not only academics but also through behaviors such as the ability to be self-reliant, maturity, independence, and leadership skills to name a few. “In situations where a more comprehensive understanding is required, you may want to consider a mixed methods study that collects and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data. A mixed methods approach that employs both quantitative and qualitative methods can be more time-consuming and cumbersome, but the multiple approaches work hand in hand so that each approach covers the shortcomings of the other” (Qualitative & Quantitative Research, 2024). I will specifically use the Concurrent Triangulation Design to analyze my data. This will allow me to get a full picture of all aspects regarding student achievement, growth, and engagement once the Project Based Learning model is implemented in the classroom with the focus group. Concurrent Triangulation Design involves both qualitative and quantitative data so that I may observe my research question from multiple methods (What Is Mixed Methods Research?, 2024).

      a. Why did you choose this design?

I chose this design because I feel that these are the results that are most important for showing growth and achievement in students. We not only want to grow their academic knowledge but also their ability to be independent and self-sufficient. Studies show that in order for elementary-aged students to attain self-sufficiency and a good work ethic they must be engaged in their learning. This engagement declines throughout the years of elementary school. By measuring their qualitative manners and behaviors this will provide my research with data on how Project-Based Learning increases this student engagement, therefore increasing student drive and independence. The Concurrent Triangulation Design allows the researcher a full 360 viewpoint so that the research can be as complete and reliable as possible. 

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V.    What data will you collect?

I will collect such as NWEA Map scores which measure academic growth and achievement, as well as daily scores and district assessments. I will also collect data on student behaviors using behavior sheets from all teachers to compare how behavior is in other classes compared to my own where we are actively participating in Project Based Learning and the other classroom is not. Observations will also be used for this research. The focus group will be my homeroom 4th grade math class. 

VI.   What types of measurement will you use?

The outcome of the five data collection methods will be analyzed using triangulation to concurrently analyze the qualitative and quantitative findings. This will allow me to use both the qualitative and quantitative findings to form a better picture of the outcomes of how implementing Project-Based Learning and e-portfolios in the classroom impacts student growth, achievement, and engagement. 

VII.    What is the focus of your lit review?

Johnson and Delawsky (2013) shared a quote from Thijs and Verkuyten that suggested: “that the more engaged students are, the more successful they will be in their learning”. Johnson and Delawsky also found that “literature also linked teaching methods with student engagement” (2013). 

 The framework of my literature review will include

• Student engagement in the upper elementary classroom

• Teaching practices are shown to increase engagement

• What constitutes student engagement

• Results of implementing Project-Based Learning in the classroom

• The use of e-portfolios to showcase student work and how it impacts student ownership

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References
Johnson, C., & Delawsky, S. (2013, July). Academic Research International. Project-Based Learning and Student Engagement, 4(4).

Qualitative & Quantitative Research. (n.d.). ATLAS.ti. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://atlasti.com/guides/qualitative-research-guide-part-1/qualitative-vs-quantitative-research

What Is Mixed Methods Research? (n.d.). ATLAS.ti. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://atlasti.com/guides/qualitative-research-guide-part-1/mixed-methods-research

What is Project Based Learning? (n.d.). PBLWorks. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl