Research Question:
1. What is the effect of utilizing different types of assessment on the performance of students within the classroom?
2. Is the effect different for students with different learning styles?
Participants:
Two of the classes I will be student teaching.
Methodology:
There will be some qualitative data, but mostly quantitative.
Measures:
Observations: I will be observing student behavior during the different types of assessment to see if they are more engaged in some types than others. These observations will not be used as data but as a reference for me to look for students who need accommodation. For example, if certain students are not engaged in a group project, I would need to figure out some way to grade their performance on an individual basis or determine how to get them more involved with the group.
Interviews: I will use surveys to identify the learning styles of students in my classroom before I begin. I will also have questions at the end of each assignment simply asking “Did you enjoy this assignment?” and other open-ended questions about their feelings on the assignment.
Artifacts: The work of students will be collected and graded for performance. The work will include tests, quizzes, group quizzes, group projects, writing assignments, and maybe others if I think they will be helpful for the study.
How I will analyze data:
I am planning to look at the performance of each student on the different types of assessment that are used. I will then look at this analysis of performance with the learning styles that were identified before the study began to see if there is any difference between students. I will also consider the comments made by students at the end of each assignment but I am not sure how I will include this in my analysis.
I think this study sounds interesting and will incorporate various types of "evidence." I would be curious to see if their is a certain type of assessment that engages a majority of the kids regardless of learning style or if most assessments engage one particular classification of kids. Also I think that comparing your observations of engagement to the students' "feelings" about the assessment to the students' performance on the assessment may provide some valuable insight as well. Can students be engaged but still not perform well? How reliable are your observations of engagement when compared to student responses to your open ended questions? I have lots of articles on formative assessment if it would help you to look through them. Good luck!
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