1/23 Written from notes taken during last weeks(1/23) meeting
We discussed measurable results and coming up with a control group versus a study group and tried to define how we might adjust for other variables.
Some of the ideas we had for why using technology is more advantageous than traditional methods of delivery included immediate feedback(for both students and instructors), and accountability which leads to responsibility in many cases.
We considered having the results of 11th grader improvement from the practice ACT to actual ACT in Zak's classes vs Mr K's classes.
Since Zak uses the flipped classroom method of delivery in his classroom and I use mostly a lecture delivery method we will use my classes scores as a baseline, or control for the group. After some discussion though, we think there might be too many 'intangibles' to correctly measure these improvements with any good data.
We are still trying to consider other variables to consider and adjust to create a viable study using ACT scores.
In addition to this we are looking into finding out about past gradebooks to see if we can use data from before Lori Holst used technology versus her current method of assessing and practice with the ixl website to see if there are measurable improvements; Our idea being that her method of delivery has changed but for the most part her teaching style and overall pedagogical beliefs remain; looking back at past test grades(from similar or same curriculum) will allow us to view improvement, if any, in student assimilation and understanding.
For near term study viability we decided to have Zak & K's classes have some of the same assessment questions on an upcoming test, where we will see if understanding of the group is measurably better for the students who are using technology(Mr Zak's class) for curricular delivery versus the more traditional lecture method being used my Mr K(me). Our ICA classes will have some of the same questions on an upcoming assessment on the binomial theorem, giving us a viewable and measurable results upon which we can further conjecture about advantages and disadvantages of either method.
