In this study, we explored the potential of two forms of discussion (disciplinary vs. traditional) for 39 sixth- and seventh-grade students with or at-risk for LD, before writing historical arguments. Nine teachers who led small group discussions in six heterogeneous social studies classrooms implemented the intervention. Students who were…

This study focused on the use of a standardized reading assessment to examine reading comprehension among English language learners (ELLs) and English fluent middle school students, focusing on two text genres: informational and narrative. The Common Core State Standards require students to develop skills in both genres. However, ELLs may not…

This paper reports an aspect of a large research and development project that aimed to promote middle years school teachers' understanding and awareness of the pervasiveness of proportional reasoning as integral to numeracy. Teacher survey data of proportional reasoning across the curriculum were mapped on to a rich model of numeracy. Results…

This paper shares findings from a post-intentional phenomenological study aimed at understanding learners' experience investigating space and dimension concepts in a fifth and sixth grade mathematics class. Findings indicate experiences in this study manifest as an ontological "trying-on" of geometric dimensions (e.g., through sight,…

The study examined the impact of STEM education workshops on changes in student's self-reported academic and professional identity. [Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association (NRMERA) (34th, 2016).]

Recent studies [10, 23] using US nationwide databases showed high school boys spent significantly less time doing homework than girls, based on their responses to questionnaires and surveys. To investigate gender differences in homework in middle school, in this paper, we analyzed computer log data and standardized test scores of more than 1,000…

Since problem solving skills play a central role in middle and secondary school mathematics curricula, this made mathematics educators give importance to this subject. Improving problem solving skills of students is one of the primary aims of education so it is very important to make students gain problem solving skills. Thus, the aim of this…

The importance of STEM education has been broadly discussed in many countries around the world. Recent reforms in the U.S. have focused on the integration of STEM-related subjects as an effort to help students to make connections between STEM disciplines and increase their interest in pursuing STEM-related careers. This study reports the effects…

This paper presents a novel examination of the impact of students' feedback choices and performance on their feedback memory. An empirical study was designed to collect the choices to seek critical feedback from a hundred and six Grade 8 middle-school students via Posterlet, a digital assessment game in which students design posters. Upon…

Between 2006 and 2012, 9% of all middle school choral entries in the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sight Reading Contest consisted of mixed choirs (N = 842) (Texas UIL, 2012a). Middle school mixed choirs pose unique pedagogical problems for directors. One such challenge lies in the determination of whether to perform…

Aspects that influences mathematics learning is widely studied and language factors have been identified as a key backer to difficulties in learning Mathematics. It is evidenced that not only cognitive factors but also affective factors have vital role in learning mathematics. Such affective beliefs sources from various aspects of mathematics…

Researchers at AAAS and BSCS have developed a six-week unit that aims to help middle school students learn important chemistry ideas that can be used to explain growth and repair in animals and plants. By integrating core physical and life science ideas and engaging students in the science practices of modeling and constructing explanations, the…

Supporting students to build robust fraction schemes and operations is an enduring challenge in mathematics education. Recent research has explored a developmental trajectory of fractions schemes and operations constructed by upper-elementary and middle school students in an effort to support student learning. This study broadened the existing…

We are using stealth assessment, embedded in "Plants vs. Zombies 2," to measure middle-school students' problem solving skills. This project started by developing a problem solving competency model based on a thorough review of the literature. Next, we identified relevant in-game indicators that would provide evidence about students'…

The purpose of the study is to explore the effects of text-based and non-text-based feedback in a game-based learning system. The pilot study is a case study to find low-achieving math students' comprehension and motivation in using the game-based systems. Four low-achieving students from a suburban middle school participated in the study. Data…