Procedure and Data Collection Methods According to Bruce (2010), mixed methods refer to the use of quantitative and qualitative to acquire data in a study. In order to better answer and collect data for the focus questions, the action research study used mixed methods. Table 3.1 demonstrates the use of the mixed methods. Table 3.1 Data Shell Focus Literature Data Why do these How are data Questions Sources Sources data answer the analyzed? question? What Instructional Coded for themes: Coded for themes differentiated Dodge, J. plan and Reoccurring aligned with focus assignments can (2005) rubric Dominant question be created to Emerging promote student Tomlinson & engagement and Mctighe achievement? (2006) How do Cooper, Pre-Post Test Shows difference Descriptive and differentiated Robinson, & between 2 groups Inferential homework Patall (2006) and within groups Statistics assignments It was base line data increase test Cooper, and then showed the dependent t test scores as Lyndsey, Nye results of within groups compared to & Greathouse implementing the Independent t test more traditional (1998) instrument. between groups homework Effect size assignments? calculations Does the use of Vatterott, C. Use of prompt Coded for themes differentiated (2009). Student questions reward aligned with focus assignments Survey daily student question make homework Tomlinson, C. Reflective engagement with Chi Square more meaningful, (2005). Journal? lessons Cronbach’s alpha engaging and significant to Trautwein, U., As observations are student et al. (2006) made, I was able to achievement? determine which Instructional strategies work best plan and for the students rubric
Procedure and Data Collection Methods According to Bruce (2010), mixed methods refer to the use of quantitative and qualitative to acquire data in a study. In order to better answer and collect data for the focus questions, the action research study used mixed methods. Table 3.1 demonstrates the use of the mixed methods. Table 3.1 Data Shell Focus Questions Literature Sources Data Sources Why do these data answer the question? How are data analyzed? What differentiated assignments can be created to promote student engagement and achievement? Dodge, J. (2005) Tomlinson & Mctighe (2006) Instructional plan and rubric Coded for themes: Reoccurring Dominant Emerging Coded for themes aligned with focus question How do differentiated homework assignments increase test scores as compared to more traditional homework assignments? Cooper, Robinson, & Patall (2006) Cooper, Lyndsey, Nye & Greathouse (1998) Pre-Post Test Shows difference between 2 groups and within groups It was base line data and then showed the results of implementing the instrument. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics dependent t test within groups Independent t test between groups Effect size calculations Does the use of differentiated assignments make homework more meaningful, engaging and significant to student achievement? Vatterott, C. (2009). Tomlinson, C. (2005). Trautwein, U., et al. (2006) Student Survey Reflective Journal? Instructional plan and rubric Use of prompt questions reward daily student engagement with lessons As observations are made, I was able to determine which strategies work best for the students Coded for themes aligned with focus question Chi Square Cronbach’s alpha