Choosing a Research Method

I plan to determine if the use of computers in the mathematics classroom has a positive impact on the morale of lower level math students' learning compared to lower level mathematics classrooms with very little use of computers.

Who: Lower level high school math students
What: Using computers in the mathematics classroom
Why: Increasing computer use will have a positive impact on student learning and motivation

The questions that I will be exploring are:
- How will the computers be used? (Descriptive)
- How does the use of computers in the mathematics’ classroom affect student morale and motivation? (Relationship)
- Is there a difference in the motivation of a student who is given assignments to do by hand with pencil and paper as opposed to on the computer? (difference)

After reviewing suggestions from others, I have added the following questions to my research:

- Will students be empowered to select how they use the computer?

- How often will computer be used and for what length?

- Are teachers available for help during tech sessions?

After reviewing the different types of approaches to research, I have determined that a mixed-method design is best. I believe that student morale affects achievement. In order to study student morale and motivation, including student scores is necessary. I will use the Triangulation Design (McMillan & Schumacher, 2008). The quantitative and qualitative information will be acquired at the same time. In the fall, I will be teaching two low level math classes. I will be able to use these classes to examine student scores and survey them at various points throughout the semester.

Resources:

McMillan, J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2008). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry (Laureate custom edition). Boston: Pearson.