8110 Dis 3
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Colleague#1 Response-Adeela Malik
RE: Week 3 Discussion
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Hello Angel,
Thanks for sharing your discussion. Gifted students can have a variety of social and
emotional needs. During a stressful time with many unknowns, students may feel anxious.
We can alleviate some of that anxiety by providing gifted students access to their peers
and teachers.
Studies show that gifted students inhomogeneous groups perform better academically than
their peers in heterogeneous groups (Davidson, Davidson, & Vanderkam, 2004; Gentry,
1999; Webb, Gore, Amend, & DeVries, 2007). While virtual instruction may lack frequent
face-to-face interactions with like-minded peers, we can provide learning opportunities
where students interact (Davidson, Davidson, & Vanderkam, 2004)
There are many ways educators can foster a collaborative online learning environment.
Distance learning is a great opportunity for you and your students to take risks, reflect on
the journey and learn a lot.
There are so many resources available right now for educators to use during distance
learning (Gore, Amend, & DeVries, 2007).
References
Davidson, J., Davidson, B., & Vanderkam, L. (2004). Genius denied: How to stop wasting our brightest young minds. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.
Gentry, M. (1999). Promoting student achievement and exemplary classroom practices through cluster grouping: A research-based alternative to heterogeneous elementary
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Colleague#2 Response -Rodney Smith
Evaluating Use of Literature and Problem Statement - Master’s and research doctorate (PhD) students
In evaluating the multiple researchers’ article, Meeting the Needs of Gifted and Talented Students: Case Study of a Virtual Learning Lab in a Rural Middle School, the problem identified by the researchers are if online or blended programs, with a large majority of programs that have relatively few students and rely on external course providers, can be academically productive. Add the fact that the students are exceptional or academically gifted in a rural school district, and the need for this study is problematic. More than likely, students who are advanced will progress under any circumstances. Let alone a need to create a virtual learning lab (VLL). The problem of finding methods in improving students’ academic progress has been conducted for generations.
Furthermore, the purpose of the study is to better understand its’ participants’ views in how VLL and online or blended programs that take place in brick-and-mortar public schools, can be used to provide accelerated coursework to exceptional middle school students who are gifted, it frames, reinforces, and conveys consistency with how the research was approached.
Again, the research conveyed how the study addressed the problem of improving American student’s learning methods, procedures, and techniques. Plus, its use of literature and citations to literature was current. But I believe the relevance of the literature, being current or not, is inconsequential. With (Swan et al, 2015) Many schools and states are turning to online learning to replace or supplement teaching in brick-and-mortar classrooms. A recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics (Queen & Lewis, 2011) revealed that for 2009-2010, 55% of public school districts reported having students enrolled in distance education courses. This is up from about 37% in 2004-2005. Learning from research and it’s literature is perpetual and not stagnant or bounded.
Finally, explaining what it means for a research study to be justified and grounded in the literature and what it means for a problem to be original can best be described in its’ Quantitative and Qualitative lineages. It is important that the facts, proofs, or evidence descend from a collection of research that begins with the two Qs. For a problem to be original, it must continuously be questioned as to whether or not it is a problem and data indicating that whether or not it can be solved or addressed. For example, the problem of ineffective education in American schools continues to be addressed from many viewpoints. The problem of ineffective education here in America is a Tree, with many upon many branches.
REQUIRED DOCTORAL HALLMARKS OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
1. JUSTIFIED? Is there evidence that this problem is significant to the professional field? I answer Yes. It is one of the abundant research problems historically addressed in improving American educational teaching methods for its students.
2. GROUNDED IN THE LITERATURE? Yes. The study corresponds with quantitative and qualitative (Mixed-methods) scholarly literature.
3. ORIGINAL? Yes. But improving American education for our students is the tree; its branches consist of multitudes of the American education problem thesis.
4. AMENABLE TO SCIENTIFIC STUDY? Yes. The framing of the problem was in the context of systematic inquiries that allowed multiple conclusions (though one was chosen).
Queen, B., & Lewis, L. (2011). Distance education courses for public elementary and secondary school students: 2009–10 (NCES 2012-008). Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
Swan, B., Coulombe-Quach, X.-L., Huang, A., Godek, J., Becker, D., & Zhou, Y. (2015). Meeting the needs of gifted and talented students: Case study of a virtual learning lab in a rural middle school. Journal of Advanced Academics, 26(4), 294–319. https://doi.org/10.1177/1932202X15603366
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Colleague#3 Response#3- Lori Plakto
Introduction of Problem
Online learning, particularly a hybrid of online and face-to-face opportunities, has become a common trend in education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2009-2010, 55% of public school districts stated to have students registered in online learning, which is a 37% increase from 2004-2005 (Queen & Lewis, 2011). The problem with online or distance learning is how to effectuate rigorous and relevant programs for students who are in gifted programs and how to serve best their intellectual and social needs (Swan et al., 2015).
Introduction of Theory
The theory of this research is one of the positivism theories. Here, scientific verifications can be positively attributed to what is observed and analyzed (Babbie, 2016). According to research and studies were done by Swan et al., 2015, it is verified or proven that a hybrid model of distance learning and face-to-face instruction is beneficial to students living in rural southeast America. It is also known research that gifted and talented students need unique challenges in areas of collaboration, independent learning, and socialization (Rogers, 2007). Furthermore, there is little research in meeting the needs of students who are identified as being gifted in a hybrid learning model (Swan et al., 2015).
Direction
According to Swan et al. (2015), the research's direction is to provide academic and social supports in a hybrid learning model or virtual learning lab for students who are identified as being gifted. The supports include such entities as providing training and support to the teachers and staff, providing a plethora of online coursework for students to choose from, tailoring lessons according to student needs and preference, and allowing students to work at a pace that is comfortable for them and encourage independent practice using 21st-century skill sets.
The logistics of the online platform are also considered as part of this direction.
Such things as providing state of the art equipment, allowing time for parent orientation, and the classroom structure are all essential factors (Swan et al., 2015).
Comparison
As previously stated, there is very little peer-reviewed research on this topic. In addition, there is minimal peer-reviewed research on virtual learning labs in K-12 schools. Knowing this trend makes this an optimal topic for a dissertation or field of study, particularly with online and distance learning being a trend due to Covid-19.
Key Factors
The issue or problem was clearly stated in the research study—the problem involved how to best meet the needs of gifted students in a virtual learning setting. The purpose and critical variables of the study involved various points to consider distance learning and how to best meet the needs of students identified as gifted and talented. Furthermore, the classroom makeup and parent communication logistics were considered within the study (Swan et al., 2015). The population of the participants as stated in the study. Throughout three months, data was collected, and interviews were conducted. The interviews included students, teachers, and administrators (Swan et al., 2015). Results were summarized in the study. Swan et al. (2015), found the optimal results concluded that hybrid learning is beneficial for the students identified as being talented and gifted and beneficial for the school. The area that was the most successful was the success rate of completion of coursework. Here, all participants completed their coursework with high grades of either an A or B (Swan et al., 2015). There was a critique of the literature stated. Such entities include technology needs, progress tracking, continuous training and support for teachers, expansion of choices for students along with a timeline for completion of tasks, and administrators providing incentives from parents (Swan et al., 2015). Sources were cited to support such points as studies about the increase in hybrid learning and specifying the needs of students identified as gifted and talented. As stated, this, along with comparative research about virtual learning labs for students who are labeled gifted, is minimal and primarily outdated (conducted more than five years ago).
Justification
A literature review of research involves analyzing what is already known and what needs to be learned (Babbie, 2016). For research to be grounded or justified in the literature, first, it is important to differentiate whether your topic is a social problem or research problem. Once that is determined, it can be proven with reliable and valid research or sources to justify this in the literature. The problem may not be solved entirely through this, but it may be addressed, and solution recommendations may be made; therefore, a social change may be made or directed.
(Brown, 2021).
References
Babbie, E. R. (2016). The Basics of social research (7th Edition). Cengage
Brown, M. (2021). Developing social problems into research problems for graduate study. [Online webcast]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udfldYXvUxw&feature=youtu.be
Queen, B., & Lewis, L. (2011). Distance education courses for public elementary and secondary school students: 2009–10 (NCES 2012-008). Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
Rogers, K. B. (2007). Lessons learned about educating the gifted and talented: A synthesis of the research on educational practice. Gifted Child Quarterly, 51, 382-396. doi:10.1177/0016986207306324
Swan, B., Coulombe-Quach, X.-L., Huang, A., Godek, J., Becker, D., & Zhou, Y. (2015). Meeting the needs of gifted and talented students: Case study of a virtual learning lab in a rural middle school. Journal of Advanced Academics, 26(4), 294–319. doi:10.1177/1932202X15603366