EDCI 595: Research
Fall 2012
The formal research and evaluation process this semester taught me to look deeper, especially into established practices. There is always something to be improved. Data from more formal research gives solid evidence, rather than going on a feeling, about why to change traditions that are hard to ignore. Improving education is a cycle guided by research done at the classroom level. Some research is incredibly formal and others are informal; both types lead to a cycle that implement new solutions, spur more research, and find yet another solution.
Research Abstract
Effects of Practice Record Format on Beginning Orchestra Mastery of Concepts and Attitude Towards Practicing
Jamie Algood, EDCI 595, Research Literature and Techniques, December 2012
Main Research Question
What effect would a new practice record format have on practicing for mastery of a concept instead of filling time on Beginning Orchestra students?
Sub-Questions
1. What impact would a new practice record format have on note-reading fluency?
2. What impact would a new practice record format have on playing test scores?
3. What impact would a new practice record format have on attitude towards practicing?
Data Collection
Timed note-reading tests, playing tests, student survey
Research Design
My research was conducted using my 48 beginning orchestra students. I tried two different practice record formats – the traditional timed practice record and a new design that I called the “Perfect 10” practice record. Students used each practice record type for four weeks. During the eight week period of my study, students completed timed note-reading tests, weekly playing tests, and two surveys about their attitude towards practicing.
Findings
1. The average note-reading test score increased each administration, no matter what type of practice record was being used at that point.
2. Playing test scores were not hugely impacted by the type of practice record being used.
3. Students were much clearer on what to practice when using the Perfect Ten practice record.
What I Learned and What I Plan to Do Based on My Research
I learned that the Perfect Ten practice record offers much-needed structure to my beginning orchestra students. They preferred knowing exactly what they needed to complete; anything else was extra. I plan to continue trying new practice record formats in order to find something that makes my students think about what they are doing as they practice, not just go through the motions.
Effects of Practice Record Format on Beginning Orchestra Mastery of Concepts and Attitude Towards Practicing
Jamie Algood, EDCI 595, Research Literature and Techniques, December 2012
Main Research Question
What effect would a new practice record format have on practicing for mastery of a concept instead of filling time on Beginning Orchestra students?
Sub-Questions
1. What impact would a new practice record format have on note-reading fluency?
2. What impact would a new practice record format have on playing test scores?
3. What impact would a new practice record format have on attitude towards practicing?
Data Collection
Timed note-reading tests, playing tests, student survey
Research Design
My research was conducted using my 48 beginning orchestra students. I tried two different practice record formats – the traditional timed practice record and a new design that I called the “Perfect 10” practice record. Students used each practice record type for four weeks. During the eight week period of my study, students completed timed note-reading tests, weekly playing tests, and two surveys about their attitude towards practicing.
Findings
1. The average note-reading test score increased each administration, no matter what type of practice record was being used at that point.
2. Playing test scores were not hugely impacted by the type of practice record being used.
3. Students were much clearer on what to practice when using the Perfect Ten practice record.
What I Learned and What I Plan to Do Based on My Research
I learned that the Perfect Ten practice record offers much-needed structure to my beginning orchestra students. They preferred knowing exactly what they needed to complete; anything else was extra. I plan to continue trying new practice record formats in order to find something that makes my students think about what they are doing as they practice, not just go through the motions.
algood_final_report.docx | |
File Size: | 65 kb |
File Type: | docx |