Project Change - Data Analysis!

Okay I have a wonderful project started and will not be fully completed until summer. I started the project with a 2X2 factorial quasi-experimental design. After a meeting it was expanded to include a 2X3 factorial design with an extention. The variables include teaching method (sage on the stage and guide on the side) and assessment method (instuctionalist, constructivist with teacher feedback, and constructivist with self-regulation). The problem is the standardization of the instrument (rubric) because the participants in the constructivist groups would be allowed to revise the rubric, which means I cannot perform a 2 way ANOVA for analysis. This left me to revise the project again. The other option is to change the overall focus of the study to “self-regulation.” I am planning on changing the focus of the study to “self-regulation” and use quant methods by using a questionnaire as my instrument so the variables can be standardized. This will also lead to a further study to review the next project with same questionnaire to do multiple regressions. During the summer the plan is to also include a qualitative section to the purposal so the variables (instructivist vs. constructivist) can be compared in a detialed analysis. This would make the overall approach a mixed-methods study. The final goal is to collect and analyze the data in the fall! Until then…read, read, and read for the literature review.
Marian Maxfield

Group Project # 2

The focus the past week has been on project # 2. It seems like it is always easier the second time around. The gathering, organizaing, and planning of materials has been much easier this time. Since the focus has been on the group project, I have not done too much with the individual research project this week. Sometimes I think it is good to take a break and come back refreshed with a new perspective.
Marian

A much needed break...!

I have to say that the snow has forced me to stay inside to study this weekend. (I was looking forward to studying outside in the sun since everyone has reminded me this week that I am fair and light!)

However, it was time to take a break and enjoy the snow! So enjoy the pictures...


Then it was time for some hot chocolate and whipcream...


Okay back to the research projects. The group project is coming along and there seems to be a multitude of research and sorting through it has been interesting. The individual research project is a slow process as the term assessment seems to be foggy in the Constructivist field. Operational definitions seem to be appropriate if not needed at this point.
Marian Maxfield