Volume VI: 2016
Jessica Hanna
Examining the Impact of Frustration Levels on Multiplication Automaticity
The purpose of this action research was to examine the effectiveness of the Rocket Math program when working to develop multiplication automaticity with third grade students. Additionally, the study also examined which intervention, the Rocket Math app or paper and pencil, produced greater gains and how student frustration levels correlate to performance. A total of 18 third grade students were participants in this four-week study. A pretest and posttest was used to establish a baseline and measure student growth during the study. Participants used the Rocket Math app and Rocket Math practice sheets throughout the study to practice multiplication facts. A student questionnaire was also used to measure and monitor student frustration levels. It was concluded that Rocket Math does help students to improve multiplication automaticity. The study also determined that 89% of participants who used the Rocket Math app produced greater gains and experienced fewer frustrations than students who used paper and pencil to develop multiplication automaticity.
View Full ManuscriptMore about Jessica
Educational Background: I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in May 2013. I began attending Eastern Illinois University in May of 2014 to earn my Master of Science in Elementary Education, which I received in May of 2016.
Teaching Background: I began my teaching career at Arcola Elementary School in 2013. I taught third grade at Arcola from 2013-2016. I recently relocated and began teaching third grade at Northwest Elementary School in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
Action Research Project Title: Examining the Impact of Frustration Levels on Multiplication Automaticity
Purpose of Action Research: The purpose of this action research was to examine the effectiveness of the Rocket Math program when working to develop multiplication automaticity with third grade students. Additionally, the study also examined which intervention, the Rocket Math app or paper and pencil, produced greater gains and how student frustration levels correlate to performance. A total of 18 third grade students were participants in this four-week study. A pretest and posttest was used to establish a baseline and measure student growth during the study. Participants used the Rocket Math app and Rocket Math practice sheets throughout the study to practice multiplication facts. A student questionnaire was also used to measure and monitor student frustration levels. It was concluded that Rocket Math does help students to improve multiplication automaticity. The study also determined that 89% of participants who used the Rocket Math app produced greater gains and experienced fewer frustrations than students who used paper and pencil to develop multiplication automaticity.
Danica Norton
Does Reading on a Tablet Improve 8th Grade Students' Text-Dependent Written Responses?
With technology's impact on our society, and with Arcola being a 1:1 district with iPads, I knew I wanted my research to revolve around that. Further, because my emphasis was on the Reading Certificate, I also knew I wanted to conduct research in that realm. The purpose of this action research project was to determine the effect on students' written response when the medium of reading was on a tablet versus on a hard copy.
View Full ManuscriptMore about Danica
Educational Background: In May of 2011, I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Level Teacher Education, with endorsements in reading, language arts, and social sciences. After teaching for a year and a half, I was ready to pursue my Master's Degree. I obtained a Master's in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading from EIU. I graduated from there in May 2016.
Teaching Background: For five years, I taught at Arcola Junior/Senior High School. While there, I taught 7th grade Reading, 8th grade Reading, 8th Grade ELA (block), and English 1. Starting this year, I am now closer to my hometown, teaching 6th grade ELA (block) in Rochester, Illinois.
Action Research Project Title: Does Reading on a Tablet Improve 8th Grade Students' Text-Dependent Written Responses?
Purpose of Action Research: With technology's impact on our society, and with Arcola being a 1:1 district with iPads, I knew I wanted my research to revolve around that. Further, because my emphasis was on the Reading Certificate, I also knew I wanted to conduct research in that realm. The purpose of this action research project was to determine the effect on students' written response when the medium of reading was on a tablet versus on a hard copy.
Impact of Master’s Program: The Master's Program at EIU has taught to be more reflective and purposeful when implementing technology in the classroom. While our society is technology driven, it is important to remember the power in a hands-on materials.
