ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT

How will the use of the i<clickers classroom response system affect students scores in literacy testing based off on benchmark and STARR data?

1. SETTING THE FOUNDATION – Creating a climate to explore action research issues:

Two class rooms will be working on the same material with the same instructor. Classroom A will be using i<clickers to supplement their learning, Classroom B will not. The test scores between these two classes will be compared to see if the use of i<clickers has any effects on literacy test scores.

2. ANALYZING DATA – Using test score data likely findings from my study might include:

The i<clicker classroom response system improved testing scores.

The i<clicker classroom response system made no difference in testing scores.

The i<clicker classroom response system decreased testing scores.

3. DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING – Data from my project will be gained from testing scores but more information on the use, effectiveness and impact of Classroom response systems will come from http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/docs/classroom-response-system-clickers-bibliography/ by Derek Bruff, Assistant Director, Vanderbilt Center for Teaching.

4. ENGAGE IN SELF-REFLECTION –

· Will instant feedback help the students?

· Will students be able to understand the instant feedback and use it to correct their thinking?

· Will students still be engaged when the CRS is no longer something “new” in the classroom?

· Will not using the CRS in both classes hurt either classroom?

· Can I keep the classrooms at the same pace so that neither one loses instruction?

5. EXPLORING PROGRAMMATIC PATTERNS –

Since boys and girls do not test the same, nor do my classes have the same number of students, I will compare the initial testing data and match up each student from Classroom A with a student from Classroom B with a similar initial testing score. I will also try to match the student up with the same racial and gender profile if possible.

6. DETERMINING DIRECTION –

Students will be given standardized tests each six weeks as well as the STARR test to determine the knowledge gained from the class as a whole, supplemented by the use of i<clickers in Classroom A and no i<clickers in Classroom B. The students have already done initial testing. All students from Classroom A are being tracked and they are matched with a student of similar gender, race and initial testing score from Classroom B. Based on the final findings of the project, teachers will be given classroom response systems and training in how to use the device or the classroom response systems will be used as an engagement tool and not a primary source of technology in the classroom. I will give two surveys that refer to student engagement. The first one will be given in December and the second one in May at the end of course. This survey will be used as informational data and will not affect my test results.

7. TAKING ACTION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

GOAL: How will the use of the i<clickers classroom response system affect students scores in literacy testing based off on benchmark and STARR data?

OUTCOMES	ACTIVITIES	RESOURCES/RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED	RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES	TIME LINE	Benchmarks/ ASSESSMENT
Data Collection	Beginning of Year Practice Testing	Testing Materials	Administer Test	1 Day (8/25/2011)	Practice Testing (Baseline Testing with no instruction or use of CRS)
Data Collection	Benchmark 1	Testing Materials	Administer Test	1 Day (9/27/2011)	Benchmark after 3 weeks of CRS use
Data Collection	Benchmark 2	Testing Materials	Administer Test	1 Day (11/8/2011)	Benchmark after 9 weeks of CRS use
Data Collection	Benchmark 3	Testing Materials	Administer Test	1 Day (1/10/2012)	Benchmark after 15 weeks of CRS use
Data Collection	Benchmark 4	Testing Materials	Administer Test	1 Day (2/21/2012)	Benchmark after 21 weeks of CRS use
Data Collection	Benchmark 5	Testing Materials	Administer Test	1 Day (4/10/2012)	Benchmark after 27 weeks of CRS use
Data Collection	Benchmark 6	Testing Materials	Administer Test	1 Day (5/29/2012)	Benchmark after 33 weeks of CRS use
Data Collection	STARR Test	Testing Materials	Administer Test	1 Day (4/24/12)	Benchmark after 28 weeks of CRS use
Classroom Usage	Weekly Lessons involving use of i<clickers	i<clickers	Implement a minimum of one lesson per week using i<clickers	Weekly	See Data Collection

Data Collection

Student Interest Survey 1

Student Survey

Administer Survey

1 Day (December 2011)

Benchmark after 15 weeks of CRS use

Data Collection

Student Interest Survey 2

Student Survey

Administer Survey

1 Day (May 2012)

Benchmark after 33 weeks of CRS use

8. SUSTAIN IMPROVEMENT

Based on the final findings of the project, teachers will be given classroom response systems and training in how to use the device or the classroom response systems will be used as an engagement tool and not a primary source of educational technology in the classroom.