Prof. Moses Data

Running head: DARA GATHERING INSTRUMENTS 1

Data Gathering Instruments

Belinda Rector

EDGR 698

Cindy Sutton

November 18, 2014

Introduction

The purpose of my inquiry is to discover ways in which student exploratory software affects mathematical comprehension in elementary grade levels. I also investigated if the exploratory software increases students’ comprehension of mathematics and if so, to what extend extent? The specific questions asked include: Does the use of exploratory software improve students’ performance on mathematics unit tests? Can continual review of the software applications enhance the ability of mathematic students to connect topics? Does the daily use of the software enhance the use of mathematical applications for a general math student?

Data gathering instruments

Data sources might include the examination of oral data and writing journals. Examination of one’s setting might also used to conduct or analyze the effect of participants. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods in this research can be used. The data sources to be used for this action plan can be categorized in three areas; existing archival information including items collected from the schools records, files. Collection of these types of data requires more time period needed here.

The action research approach employed several data sources in order to determine students understanding from a comprehension perspective. The action plan was to work on comprehension and interpretation of mathematics using exploratory software. The tools used for data collection were interviews, observations, field notes and personal reflections. In addition, relevant documents such as textbooks, the teacher’s records, lesson plans and samples of students’ work were studied to supplement and triangulate findings. I’m still very confused (like on the DB) as to why you are writing as if you have already done this project ( The tools used…, employed…. ) These are all past tense verbs. Please write in the correct tense. Observations, student evaluations, student samples, pre and post-tests provided evidence that students were more on task and interested.

Verbal interviews were conducted (Did you already do this??) for different elementary grades on different days. The first student interview focused on the research question; in what ways does exploratory software affect comprehension of mathematics in different elementary grades? A comparison between those students who used exploratory software and those who did not was made using a scoring rubric. A second interview involved oral understanding given on the second day and involved the assessment of eighth graders. As mentioned several times, control groups are to be used. All students must use the software.

Written surveys for the students are also important for this action plan. These surveys are vital in the analysis of the first, second and final drafts. The student survey is also important in analysis previous assignments without use of exploratory software and the present use of the technology. Students have to complete a quiz before taking the survey without the software and then with the software. These sets of data are important for comparisons.

Other instruments for data collection included a pre-made script of questions for the verbal interviews given to the students and a pre-made typed paper for the written survey that was given to the students. The importance of using different types of interviews i.e. written and oral is that students are more forthcoming using a written format for their feelings while others are more honest and open in a verbal setting. Thus the use of the two would ensure more research accurate results.

Please include ALL data tools: blank surveys, interviews questions, test, etc. .