project_argument/proposal.md

Project proposal

This planning document will also form the introduction of your argument.

Overarching Question

What central question are you interested in exploring? Why are you interested in exploring this question?

I am interested in exploring the question: “Do educational apps like pear deck improve student learning outcomes?” I want to explore this question because educational technology is becoming more common in classrooms, and I have observed it firsthand during my placement in a 3rd-grade classroom. My students regularly use ELA apps such as Pear Assessment and math apps like Pear Deck to complete their classwork. I am also curious about whether regular use of educational apps have any impact on students performance. Investigating this question could reveal patterns in how technology influences learning and provide evidence-based recommendations.

What specific research questions will you investigate?

Is there a difference in learning outcomes between students who use adaptive learning apps versus those who do not?

Does the amount of time spent on educational apps correlate with improvement in student performance over time?

Data source

What data set will you use to answer your overarching question?

Title: The Impact of Pear Deck on Student Achievement and Engagement Link: https://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1489&context=education_masters

Where is this data from?

The data is sourced from a study conducted by E. Gross, published in the Northwestern College Education Master's Theses in 2023. The research was carried out at Northwestern College, focusing on the use of Pear Deck in a 10th grade classroom.

What is this data about?

This dataset comes from a study on Pear Deck and its effect on student learning. Two 10th-grade Global Studies classes were compared: one used traditional teacher-led lectures, and the other used Pear Deck lessons. Both groups took the same assessment, and the Pear Deck group also completed a survey about their learning experience. The results showed that Pear Deck students scored higher and had positive perceptions of learning. The dataset includes assessment scores, group information, and survey responses.

Methods

How will you use your data set to answer your quantitative questions?

Question 1: Do students using Pear Deck score higher than those who don’t?

I will compare the test scores of the two groups. I will show the results in a bar chart.

Question 2: Do students like learning with Pear Deck?

I will look at the survey answers from the Pear Deck group.I will show the results in a table or pie chart.