In order to gain greater understanding of mixed methods design and insight into the role of mixed methods research in my field, I have chosen to review “Implementation and Outcomes of Inquiry-based Learning in Mathematics Content Courses for Pre-service Teachers” by Laursen, Hassi, and Hough (2016). After discussing the selection criteria and providing an article summary, the article will be evaluated based upon the Journal of Mixed Methods Research’s review criteria. A closing discussion will complete the review. The selection of the Laursen et al. article is based on the criteria identified in the TED738 assignment guidelines. The first criteria met is that the study documented in the article utilized a mixed methods design. In the abstract, the authors clearly identified their work as a mixed-methods study. Upon continued review, indications of mixed methods designs could be found in the discussion of study methods, assessment instruments, results and conclusions.
In addition to being a mixed methods study, the article need to be recent and within my field, which is mathematics education. The 2016 study examined the impact of inquiry-based learning in college mathematics courses for preservice teachers. In addition to focusing on preservice mathematics teachers, of particular interest to me is the use of the mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) framework (Hill, Ball, & Schilling, 2008). Laursen et al. used the MKT framework to guide their work as they sought
Essential aspects that underpin the professional and dedicated educator include the revising of knowledge and experience, reflection, and an effort in understanding their students. Within mathematics, these skills are informed by the curriculum chosen, the students involved, and the pedagogy that is selected, that create the professional judgement cycle (as seen in Appendix One) (Department of Education and Training Western Australia [DETWA], 2013a). The more teachers understand about their students, the more they can adapt the learning environment to cater for these different learning approaches (Burns, 2010).
Overall, the theories, methods and strategies learned throughout this program have allowed me to be a better teacher in the sense that I don’t look at the whole picture anymore. I pick apart each piece of puzzle to see how I can better each student as an individual. This will let my students to become investors in their education, as well as allow me to become a better teacher.
Systematic reviews allow researchers to to determine the best research evidence to address a health care situation. In disease management and casemanagement specialities, the clincial guidelines for managing chronic health conditions are developed from Systemic reviews ( Groves, et al., 2013). Meta- analysis involves the use of results from previous studies; it involves quasi-experimental and experimental studies and stastical analysis are applied to provide the most desired evidence for an intervention, whiles Meta synthesis uses qualitative studies which main focus is interpretation of a specific study for use as evidenced research (Groves, et al., 2013). Lasty, mixed methods systematic review involves the utilization of independent studies which are conducted through narrative and invloves both quantitative and qualitative methods(Groves, et al.,
Many students at the elementary level perform poorly in mathematics because when they complete kindergarten; they acquire inadequate knowledge of basic mathematics. Due to lack of enough skills and concepts, these students continue to experience this problem even in upper elementary school (Duncan et al, 2007).By the fourth grade, these students performance becomes very poor such that they are not expected to improve when they get to the next grade. The major program to improve student’s achievement in mathematics is the introduction of more intense professional development in teacher-led instruction, providing examples, and teaching problem-solving strategies for all
Creswell, J. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. (3rd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
What is the most effective way to teach? Can students really learn and fully understand the material teachers convey to them on a day to day basis? According to a middle school mathematics teacher, his methods of teaching the traditional way was not as effective and producing a long-term impact as he would have liked. The article "Never Say Anything a Kid Can Say!" enriches us to the possibility of applying slight gradual modifications to our teaching methods and how we could find ways to utilize that information in the search for more effective teaching methods to encourage students to explain their thinking and become more deeply involved in the classroom discussions, thus developing their questioning skills (Reinhart, 2000). After
Funds of knowledge can be a very useful approach for students and teachers. This idea is supported from the articles, Funds of knowledge for teaching: Using a qualitative approach to connect homes and classrooms by Moll, Amanti, Neff, and Gonzalez and the article Unearthing the Mathematics of a Classroom Garden by Kahn and Civil. The first article introduces the necessary research behind using a funds of knowledge approach in the classroom. For example, the study follows a teacher that went into her students’ homes to find out more information about their cultural backgrounds. She was able to use that information to motivate her students to learn more in the fields of science, mathematics, and English by
Effective teachers are aware of different learning theories that influence classroom practice on a daily basis. According to Pritchard (2014), teachers must have an understanding
Through the twelve years of teaching Kindergarten, my pedagogy has been challenged to seek innovative ways and learn new practices from other educators to help my students to comprehend, apply, and achieve mastery level in content-related skills of ELA and Mathematics with “more critical thinking and in-depth content knowledge” (Louisiana’s transition to Higher standards, 2016, p. 3)
Although the hands-on learning approach requires a great deal of preparation time, once students have adjusted to the teaching method, the learning process becomes an enjoyable experience for both the teacher and the students (Berk, 1999). When teachers make use of hands-on activities to illustrate concepts in mathematics and science, students perform better on assessments in these subjects because their level of thinking and curiosity increase as a result of their active participation in the learning process (Wenglinsky, 2000).
A mixed methods research design is a procedure for collecting, analyzing, and “mixing” both quantitative and qualitative research and methods in a single study to understand a research problem.
Many educators will argue what makes an effective teacher and how that correlates with the function of the classroom. When we talked about how to be an effective teacher we discussed three components, teaching through problem-solving and selecting appropriate tasks, creating appropriate environments and using appropriate interventions. In my field experience, I was able to observe these three effective mathematics teaching components and understand how they apply to the classroom. After leaning about these components, I was then able to use them in my personal experience and see how they
When both research designs are used together, more information can be gathered. Mixed methodology uses the numerical portion of the quantitative study design in combination with the descriptive aspect of the qualitative study. There are many similarities between these two designs, which make them compatible with each other.
"With the development and perceived legitimacy of both qualitative and quantitative research in social and human sciences, mixed methods research, employing the combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, has gained popularity." (Creswell, p. 203). Describe the development of mixed methodology in educational research. Discuss the steps that need to be taken to develop a viable mixed methods research study.
The objective of this chapter is to describe the procedures used in the analysis of the data and present the main findings. It also presents the different tests performed to help choose the appropriate model for the study. The chapter concludes by providing thorough statistical interpretation of the findings.