Action Research Plan

Topic: blended learning in the 7th grade ELAR classroom

Purpose: to determine the effectiveness of blended learning in ELAR classrooms and see if BL closes the achievement gap increasing student achievement

Fundamental Research Question: does the method delivery (PBL & groups/stations vs. traditional teaching) impact student engagement?

Research design and research methods: mixed methods - collect qualitative data and quantitative data, analyze the results then compare and interpret

Data collected: - student response surveys

- online ratings using googe forms

- excel tracking sheets

- observations (looking for trends in other educators classrooms)

Measurement:

- all in learning multiple choice responses

- google forms

- in person interviews and web-based interviews

Reviewing the Literature:

The focus of the literature review was to go over articles that support blended learning in the ELAR classroom as well as the classroom in general. I sought out to support the statement ‘blended learning helps increase students’ engagement thus closing the achievement gap.’ Given that engagement is a difficult topic to measure I intended to look at specific methods of delivery in addition to blended learning as a whole. The benefit to this literature review was the articles that support the concept of blended learning in general. The downside to the literature however is that blended learning is depicted as a recent phenomenon and seems to have taken the place of differentiated instruction as a way to better incorporate technology into the everyday classroom. There seems to be no research on what specific measures are better for increases engagement and student output in the classroom and does not advance the closure of the achievement gap.