Action Research Topic

A flipped classroom reverses the traditional teaching methods by delivering instructional content with short self-paced digital learning, accompanied by an in-class focus on interactive activities like discussions, projects, and real-world problem-solving. My topic of action research begins with the knowledge and understanding that traditional teaching methods are not currently working for the students we serve. There is currently an overwhelming amount of research that supports the need for classroom change. This mode of classroom learning enhances students’ likelihood of retention and lightens the cognitive load during class, leaving room for more frequent and deeper thinking (Roehling & Bredow, 2021). My analysis will review when flipped classrooms are the most effective in the K-12 educational framework. Currently, within my district, we use a more traditional method of instruction. The district has made efforts to create a more blended learning environment but has failed to provide effective training to show teachers how to implement these methods in their classrooms. Because of this, student engagement is at an all-time low, which has created wider academic gaps between student’s grade level and their understanding of their actual grade level curriculum.

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this research will be to inform and influence the need for instructional change within the classroom, as this change was brought about as the digital age continues to engulf education. This topic focuses on my district’s use of educational tools within the classroom in an effective manner and is related to my current professional learning topic.

Research Question

In what way, does the digital lesson within the flipped classroom model affect student achievement within the 7th grade Math classroom?

or

How do digital lessons within the flipped classroom model influence student achievement and engagement in a 7th-grade math classroom?

Research Design

For this research design, I will use mixed methods. Specifically, I will be using the Triangulation Mixed Methods design. On the qualitative side, I will conduct teacher interviews, and classroom observations, and review case studies that are about the use of digital lessons. The data at I will need to collect for the quantitative section are test data metrics on academic performance, usage analytics, and demographic data of the focus classrooms.

Why this design?

I chose this design because it would give me the most information both in real-time and long-term data to make an informed decision on if this method of instructional method will uphold the scrutiny of traditional teaching methods. I will be able collect data around the same time and emphasize both data metric equally. (Mertler, 2020)

Data Collection

I will collect student academic performance data using MAP and STAAR assessments. I will also collect teacher and student survey data before and after a six week course, on whether students learned and retained more of the content with digital lessons or using the traditional method of teaching.

Data Measurments

The measurements that will be used in the qualitative sections are teacher and student perspectives, classroom observations, and artifact analysis. For quantitative measurements, I will use academic data performance, engagement and participation, and differentiation efficacy.

Focus of Lit Review

My lit review will focus on practical frameworks, differentiation in action, and equity-centered strategies. These sections will each focus on how much of an effect short digital lessons paired with hands-on activities, will have on student academic achievement data and students ability to take ownership of their learning within a more open learning environment.

References

Mertler, G. (2020). Action Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

Roehling, P., & Bredow, C. (2021, September 28). Flipped Learning: What is it, and when is it effective? Retrieved from Brookings: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/flipped-learning-what-is-it-and-when-is-it-effective/