SETDA National Leadership Institute Toolkit


FAQs: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Question 5: Determining research instruments

Specific Illustration

The eMINTS program sought to demonstrate that the application of project-based and inquiry-based instructional techniques in a technology-rich classroom environment would increase student performance in four subject areas. The program leaders hypothesized that students who worked in an eMINTS classroom would be more engaged in their learning, would explore issues in greater depth and would benefit most with high access to technology in student-directed, rather than teacher-directed, environments.

Moderating factors

  1. access to technology
  2. use of technology
  3. use of student-directed projects
  4. student engagement
  5. pedagogy
  6. teacher's beliefs technology

Additional moderating factors

  1. student demographics
  2. school culture
  3. Administrative support and leadership

Assumptions Made By the eMINTS Research Team
Question: What would we expect to see in a classroom where technology is being successfully integrated into an inquiry-based learning environment?
Assumption: Technology and inquiry-based learning strategies produce more student engagement; more student time on task and more interaction among students and teachers.

To assess the above, the study must systematically observe these variables and assess the extent they predict an outcome. Remember, that the outcomes may not always determine predictability.

For Example: Even though SATs are used to predict college performance, we can't always predict high scoring students will succeed in school.

eMINTS Example
How would differences between eMINTS and non-eMINTS classrooms produce differences in scores on state-wide assessments?

Populations Indicators Outcome Measures
eMINTS vs.non-eMINTS classrooms
  1. Cooperative learning/collaboration
  2. Students construct own questions and find answers
  3. They are engaged learners
  4. More resources available/more individualized learning
  5. Teachers make use of multiple resources, Internet, ancillary materials
  6. Activities linked to standards
  7. Not as much lecture
  8. Projects with rubrics and evaluation built-in
  9. More complexity in instructional process
 MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) Scores to measure student achievement

Determining research instruments:

  1. Definitions
  2. Process for Designing a Measurement Tool
  3. Collecting & Analyzing Good Data
  4. Outcome measures
  5. eMINTS: Specific Illustration

Scientifically Based Research
   
Chapter Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Steps to Implementing SBR

Recommendations
Technology Literacy Assessment
Common Data Elements
Effective Teaching with Technology Assessment
National Education Technology Plan