EIP and Project Based Learning Essay

The title of the study is to be dubbed as EIP and Project Based Learning: Studying student’s motivation and academic achievement. The research would be carried out in a manner which would facilitate the identification of what impact does standard project-based learning have on EIP (Early Intervention Program) and the student’s impetus and academic achievement? Statement of the Problem A fresh evaluation of student achievement conducted by the National Conference of State Legislatures divulged that the average performance of eighth-grade learners in the United States in the disciplines of mathematics, science, and reading literacy ranked below the performance standards of 14 countries (NCSL, 2009). To deal with such a problem, state administrative bodies have initiated the adoption and the implementation of accountability founded on certain stipulated standards. Nevertheless, the conventional classroom based learning practices persists to be prevalent in the United States education imparting arena despite the fact that several research findings have revealed that project-based learning is much more effectual in terms of achieving stipulated standards, better explains different subject areas, enhances learning methods, and improves test performances (Andres, 2006). The most important issue in this context is that project-based learning has to be put into practice in more De Kalb County education facilities in order to foster cognitive thinking and enhance the accountability of the students in their learning activities. This fact is substantiated by the Georgia Assessment of Performance on School Standards (GAPSS) evaluation findings and is consistent with the stated objectives of the De Kalb County School System. Relation of the Problem to the Specialization Comprehending the productivity of the project-based learning approach can facilitate bridging the gaps that presently exist between how students live and how they are taught (Andres, 2006). This technique of learning rises above the mere technicalities introduced by course books and worksheets and lays more emphasis on constructivist attitudes. Education in itself would stand to benefit from this research and at the same time educators would gain knowledge of how to successfully structure and sustain the learning content and activities whilst highlighting achievement of standards, comprehensible outcomes, and enhanced accountability (BIE). Background and Context for the Problem The approach that was adopted in the education imparting framework in the past decades is eventually becoming outdated and is not competent enough to suffice in the contemporary educational arena. Those old-fashioned past approaches were unsuccessful in developing and nurturing the skills and aptitudes required to answer intricate questions and to implement that knowledge in real world circumstances. By means of standards based projects, a dynamic issue that is genuine and fascinating will foster critical cognitive thinking, knowledge implementation, organizational noesis, and enhance the students’ conscientiousness relating to their own learning process (Andres, 2006). Research Question The most important questions that this research would be attempting to answer are the following: †¢ What impact does the project-based approach have on the students’ learning achievement? †¢ To what level are students inspired by project-based learning methodology? †¢ Were the evaluations of project-based learning consistent with Georgia Performance Standards? Georgia’s Performance Standards (GPS) are obligatory standards that must be met while imparting education to every public school student in the De Kalb County and the state of Georgia. Treating The Giver by Lois Lowry in the form a web-based thematic component, students would be able to implement the skills recognized by the Georgia state learning standards as essential for elementary school learners. Making use of the Student-Interview Questions from the GAPPS evaluation, the information would be gathered and scrutinized. In addition, previously-existing instructional policies and evaluation practices by means of observing students conduct, surveys based on students’ achievement-goal perceptions, and group discussions are approaches which, as indicated by Pintrich and Schunk, can be carried out sensibly to judge the students’ endeavor, determination and evasion behaviors (Pintrich & Schunk, 2002). Importance or Significance of the Study A constant rise in the high school dropout rate and low performance grades have become a widespread phenomenon in the United States education arena. In light of such an issue project-based learning assumes immense significance as an effective methodology that is capable of delivering high performance standards, presenting interesting challenges, and providing a framework for reliable evaluation techniques (Nastu, 2009). If the supposition that, enhanced student performance is largely reliant upon their understanding and proficiency to efficiently shoulder their new responsibilities as global citizens is true, this research would prove to be a valuable asset for all stakeholders. Topics in the Literature Review The Project-based learning methodology presupposes that learning is a dynamic, integrated and productive activity. In such an interactive learning atmosphere, students work in the company of other classmates to work out compound and real-life problems that will facilitate the development of content knowledge in addition to helping them to become accustomed to the art of problem solving, logical thinking, communication, and self evaluation (CTL, 2001). Proponents of this approach hold that majority of the students consider project-based learning initiatives to be encouraging, which in the long run helps development of important skills (Helle et al. , 2007). Performance oriented evaluations will render high expectations, simulate real-world problems, and would necessitate a variety of skills and proficiencies to deal with such issues (BIE). Even though the potential such techniques exhibits are beyond measure, project-based learning faces some serious challenges. It entails a wide-ranging framework, skills, procedural planning, support, and resources that go beyond the precincts of a textbook (Andres, 2006). Methodology This research would employ a mixed research methods design that will make use of both quantitative as well as qualitative approaches. Quantitative data will be accumulated to evaluate the students’ reading accomplishments via a pre and post appraisal of a learning element. In addition, the qualitative technique would be used to appraise the efficiency of project-based learning techniques on the students’ enthusiasm to shoulder responsibility and the ingenuity in their coursework and other learning activities. Data Collection Data would be gathered across a timeline scaling six-weeks in course of a reading unit within the learning environment. The research team would shoulder the responsibilities of an observer and detailed studies would be carried out with respect to the usefulness of project-based educational approaches. In this examination students would be monitored, and pieces like journals, class work, project reports, and unit test performance sheet would be collected. Such a research-based scrupulous practice is in line with the features of a fully operational educational atmosphere (Georgia Department of Education, 2007). Data Analysis The information collected would be evaluated by means of triangulation. Graphically, the linkage between the students’ pre and post test results would be determined. A t-test would be carried out to contrast each unit’s intensity of enthusiasm and level of reading accomplishment. In order to examine the statistical implications, a mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) would be employed to identify the differences that generally exist in the treatments processes. Identification of Necessary Approvals So as to carry out the pertinent research processes effectively, the De Kalb County School System in Decatur, Georgia and the school authority would need to sanction the proposal and approve the research initiative.