Research

Board or Authority

Hypothesis

Description

Algoma DSB

Student engagement in Mathematics will increase through the use of the SMART Board Technology. 

Four elementary schools have been identified to participate in the research project.  Each school has purchased two Smart Boards which will be installed in two individual classrooms in each of the schools.  Four of the classrooms are in the Junior Division and the other four classrooms are in the Intermediate Division.  Teachers will receive professional development and training on the use of the technology.  The integration of the technology within daily mathematics teaching practices will be supported.

DSB Ontario North East

We believe that computer technology will increase student participation and engagement, thus resulting in improved student achievement as evidenced by improved DRA and report card results in June 2008.

Presently in this grade three classroom we have disengaged and struggling learners working below grade level.  The teacher will utilize computer technology (smart board, computer & software) in order to differentiate instruction, engage and motivate all students.  We hope to be able to show a direct link between computer technology and student achievement.

Huron-Superior Catholic DSB – St. Basil

Does the use of information technology in the classroom improve student learning and motivation?

The project is to introduce laptop computers into the classroom as a tool for learning.  Does the use of information technology in the classroom improve student learning, performance and motivation?  We hope to enhance learning through the use of technology in the classroom.  Our intent is to make use of not only laptop computers but of other assistive technology such as Smartboards and Elmos.  The purpose is to incorporate the paradigm shift in how instruction is delivered and ignite the spark in students that will provide a new sense of enthusiasm and ownership in their learning by using 1:1 computing (laptops) and wireless Internet access.

Huron-Superior Catholic DSB – St. Mary’s

Including the use of Smart board technology as a pedagogical approach will increase student understanding of abstract mathematical concepts.

Students are challenged by the abstract nature of study of physics.  The use of the smart board in this curriculum will assist students in moving from concrete example to more abstract representations.

Near North DSB

The use of SMART board technology will result in great student engagement. Students will be observed during math class during a series of lessons in each class with and without the use of the SMART Board.

We are interested in enhancing student engagement in mathematics. We want to investigate the role of SMART Board technology in student learning in math and how it can lead to greater engagement. Data indicates that when students aren’t actively engaged in mathematics education, their level of conceptual understanding is low.

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic DSB

Our hypothesis is that through the use of technology, specifically the SMART board, partnered with focused, targeted instruction in writing in the Junior Division through a balanced literacy approach, student engagement will improve in the classroom, as well as the elements of writing.  We also think that boys will especially show growth in their writing engagement in class, as well as their overall achievement academically.

Through the use of technology (SMART board) and targeted instruction in writing through a balanced literacy framework, we would like to engage all students, especially our male students in the learning process to meet the diverse learning styles in our classrooms.  This, in turn, should have an impact on student achievement in writing in the classroom.  By participating in this action research project, we hope to change the engagement and attitudes of students and writing, while at the same time improving student achievement in writing.

Rainbow DSB

Given an opportunity to meet in teams, to review an assessment for learning strategy and an opportunity to apply it for the remainder of the term, teachers will be more responsive to student learning and students will be more successful in their learning.

Assessment of learning is the primary assessment tool used in elementary and secondary schools. Little is known about how to use assessment for learning.  Provide teaching teams with an opportunity to delve more deeply into assessment for learning and to design an application that they can use in their school and share with their colleagues.

Sudbury Catholic DSB

During this action research project, we wish to determine:

If co-teaching can influence student outcomes and the added effect it can have on enhancing teacher efficacy.

Which instructional strategies are truly best practices to support and improve learning for students at-risk, particularly males and children of aboriginal descent.

What effect teacher moderation has on planning effective next steps for instruction.

How much of a difference the use of assistive technology can make for students struggling with learning to read and write.

Determine who students at-risk are; review the rich tasks completed by these students to determine exactly where weaknesses lie, what misconceptions may play a role, how student learning styles could impact on how assessment was administered; cooperatively plan next steps for classroom interventions. Develop an Individual Learning Profile (ILP) for each focus student.  Implement  co-teaching instructional model, with a focus on needs of students struggling with learning to read and write.  Determine if classroom environment supports co-teaching and make necessary adaptations (e.g. small group gathering spaces, chart stands, chart paper, anchor chart and word wall positioning, classroom library, easy access to computers and other learning tools, grouped desks for eye-to-eye dialogue, etc).