Objective 1
Employ research methodology in the interpretation of research findings and conduct their own action research
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION:
There are many reasons why understanding research methodology is important to teachers and many others in the education field. Knowledge of how educational research is conducted and how the results obtained will help teachers and administrators make appropriate adjustments or major changes in the instruction or educational environment of their students. Teachers that are able to conduct their own action research and interpret the research findings correctly are better able to effectively use materials, activities, and strategies that will enhance the educational processes within their classrooms.
ARTIFACTS:
As a middle school social studies and language arts teacher I feel strongly about student-centered instruction with authentic assessments. Research has been conducted that shows college level as well as elementary students gain more and produce higher levels of achievement from authentic student-centered instruction over traditional teacher-centered instruction; however very little research has been conducted in the middle school, especially eighth grade social studies in particular. For my research proposal I concentrated on student-centered verses teacher-centered social studies instruction in eighth grade; with my hypothesis being ‘Eighth grade male students involved in primarily student-centered social studies classes will have a significantly higher achievement level on the Eighth Grade Ohio Achievement Test (Social Studies) than eighth grade male students involved in primarily teacher-centered social studies classes’. Included in the proposal are methods of assigning subjects to groups, instruments used to ensure validity and reliability, experimental design and procedure, and data analysis.
Another artifact included below is a website called Teacher Action Research. It contains all kinds of information on action and teacher research; what they are, how to get involved, and the processes. The page includes current issues and research, information on starting a group, links to other resources, and a bibliography page so you can read further on certain topics. I believe this site is a great tool for teachers who are interested in action/teacher research. It is full of useful information to help beginners get started in the research process, breaking it down in simple terms, and making it possible to get involved right away.
Employ research methodology in the interpretation of research findings and conduct their own action research
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION:
There are many reasons why understanding research methodology is important to teachers and many others in the education field. Knowledge of how educational research is conducted and how the results obtained will help teachers and administrators make appropriate adjustments or major changes in the instruction or educational environment of their students. Teachers that are able to conduct their own action research and interpret the research findings correctly are better able to effectively use materials, activities, and strategies that will enhance the educational processes within their classrooms.
ARTIFACTS:
As a middle school social studies and language arts teacher I feel strongly about student-centered instruction with authentic assessments. Research has been conducted that shows college level as well as elementary students gain more and produce higher levels of achievement from authentic student-centered instruction over traditional teacher-centered instruction; however very little research has been conducted in the middle school, especially eighth grade social studies in particular. For my research proposal I concentrated on student-centered verses teacher-centered social studies instruction in eighth grade; with my hypothesis being ‘Eighth grade male students involved in primarily student-centered social studies classes will have a significantly higher achievement level on the Eighth Grade Ohio Achievement Test (Social Studies) than eighth grade male students involved in primarily teacher-centered social studies classes’. Included in the proposal are methods of assigning subjects to groups, instruments used to ensure validity and reliability, experimental design and procedure, and data analysis.
Another artifact included below is a website called Teacher Action Research. It contains all kinds of information on action and teacher research; what they are, how to get involved, and the processes. The page includes current issues and research, information on starting a group, links to other resources, and a bibliography page so you can read further on certain topics. I believe this site is a great tool for teachers who are interested in action/teacher research. It is full of useful information to help beginners get started in the research process, breaking it down in simple terms, and making it possible to get involved right away.
Objective 2
Integrate technology to improve instruction and increase student learning
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION:
There are so many ways technology can be used in the classroom to enhance and improve student learning. Using computer programs and software bring excitement to an activity, and showing videos and using internet resources keep the students interested. Even if the only computer in the classroom belongs to the teacher and the class has to share a lab with the rest of the school, technology can be integrated into the instruction and learning process. Using word processors, power-point slideshows and presentations, internet search engines, YouTube videos, and Skype can greatly enhance almost any lesson or activity. Allowing time for students to work on projects using a computer is also very important, as well as proper guidance and supervision.
ARTIFACTS:
One of the artifacts included below is an Oregon Trail WebQuest which I created for use in a middle school social studies classroom. Students will use their skills and knowledge to complete a learning exercise demonstrating their depth of knowledge, skill, and abilities through a writing assignment and art/craft project. The web-quest sends students on their own journey west on the Oregon Trail. They must use the resources included to research the journey and then use that information to create a character and a journal/diary of a person traveling west on the trail. The quest was originally created with the intention that it would be completed individually by each student; however modifications can be made for pairs or group work.
A second artifact included is Google Lit Trips. I think these are a great idea, especially in a social studies classroom. Using Google Earth to map 'trips' that correspond to the literature being studied in class, gives students the ability to 'travel' to these historical spots or foreign countries for a more in-depth understanding of the geography and landscape, natural and man-made. There are several Lit Trips already created for teachers to use at no cost, or they can be custom created by the teacher for any piece of literature or historical event by simply creating a Google Tour and adding additional information to sites.
Also included below is a collection of websites that I would love to implement in a social studies classroom. I believe all teachers should have a continuously growing webliography for both teacher and student use. There are so many great resources on the internet that are under-utilized or very seldom used at all in a classroom. Using a webliography format organizes long lists of websites into a functional and useful tool in the classroom, both for the students and the teacher.
Integrate technology to improve instruction and increase student learning
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION:
There are so many ways technology can be used in the classroom to enhance and improve student learning. Using computer programs and software bring excitement to an activity, and showing videos and using internet resources keep the students interested. Even if the only computer in the classroom belongs to the teacher and the class has to share a lab with the rest of the school, technology can be integrated into the instruction and learning process. Using word processors, power-point slideshows and presentations, internet search engines, YouTube videos, and Skype can greatly enhance almost any lesson or activity. Allowing time for students to work on projects using a computer is also very important, as well as proper guidance and supervision.
ARTIFACTS:
One of the artifacts included below is an Oregon Trail WebQuest which I created for use in a middle school social studies classroom. Students will use their skills and knowledge to complete a learning exercise demonstrating their depth of knowledge, skill, and abilities through a writing assignment and art/craft project. The web-quest sends students on their own journey west on the Oregon Trail. They must use the resources included to research the journey and then use that information to create a character and a journal/diary of a person traveling west on the trail. The quest was originally created with the intention that it would be completed individually by each student; however modifications can be made for pairs or group work.
A second artifact included is Google Lit Trips. I think these are a great idea, especially in a social studies classroom. Using Google Earth to map 'trips' that correspond to the literature being studied in class, gives students the ability to 'travel' to these historical spots or foreign countries for a more in-depth understanding of the geography and landscape, natural and man-made. There are several Lit Trips already created for teachers to use at no cost, or they can be custom created by the teacher for any piece of literature or historical event by simply creating a Google Tour and adding additional information to sites.
Also included below is a collection of websites that I would love to implement in a social studies classroom. I believe all teachers should have a continuously growing webliography for both teacher and student use. There are so many great resources on the internet that are under-utilized or very seldom used at all in a classroom. Using a webliography format organizes long lists of websites into a functional and useful tool in the classroom, both for the students and the teacher.