2+Problem+Statement+and+Research+Methodology

Problem Statement: Math continues to be an area of weakness for students at my school, according to student performance on the Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT). Therefore, we are constantly striving to find new ways to deliver math content in order to better meet the needs of all students. The use of technology is one strategy which could help students to better grasp math concepts. However, technology can be expensive. Teachers need proper training when using technology. Many teachers fear technology because they have had little or no experience using it. Technology and proper training require time and money, both of which are limited at my school. This has led to a very limited use of technology by teachers to deliver math instruction. One way teachers seem to be comfortable using technology in math classrooms at my school is through computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Part of the reason they are comfortable in using this technology is that they have been mandated to do so by our county. However, this takes time to implement. Teachers often wonder if it's worth the effort. Does CAI really improve student achievement in math? That is what I wish to research.

Proposed Research Question:

What effect does the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) have on student achievement in math?
= Research Methodology: = Research Design: To address my research problem, I will conduct evaluation research. My research will fall into the area of impact assessment. I will conduct a field experiment by using real teachers and students in math classrooms. Because students will already be placed in classrooms, my research will be quasi-experimental. I will use mixed research methods to determine what effect, if any, the use of CAI has on student achievement in mathematics. Types of Data: My data will consist of mixed methods. I will collect quantitative data in the form of pre- and posttests. This data will be evaluated to determine whether or not a positive correlation exists between the use of CAI in the math classroom and student achievement in mathematics. I will also examine data from reports available through the CAI software program to determine how many segments of CAI were completed by the participants. In addition to quantitative data, I will collect qualitative data in the forms of informal interviews and open-ended surveys. This will provide information regarding students’ and teacher’s perceived effects of the CAI as related to student performance in math. Through triangulation of these data methods, I hope to ensure that my research is valid.


**Reference: ** **Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2007). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (3rd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. **