This study focuses on the use of student-led questions and feedback to improve students’ engagement and attainment in Key Stage 3 science. My interest in Assessment for Learning has arisen from working as a science teacher for over 9 years in several secondary schools in London and Kent. My aim has been to support Key Stage 3 science students to improve their engagement and attainment by means other than the use of science practical. The purpose of this study is to find out how students’ awareness of questions and feedback can be used to improve their engagement. This includes examining students’ contribution to the classroom discourse through developing their own questions and giving peer feedback, and assessing how this has improved their attainment. This study also sought teachers’ perceptions on the role of questions and feedback in engaging students in science lessons. This mixed methods study was inspired by a constructivist paradigm approach to learning (Creswell 2011; Savasci and Berlin, 2012). The study used six techniques of enquiry for data collection to support triangulation of my data. The students were involved in problem solving activities which led to developing their own questions using Bloom’s taxonomy question prompts and giving feedback to other students. The interaction was audio recorded to examine the quality of questions and feedback in order to ascertain how this has led to an improvement in their engagement and attainment, in addition to other data collection methods used. This study found that students were capable of developing high level questions and giving constructive feedback that will move other students’ learning forward just like their teachers aim to do. There was an improvement in the high level questions developed which influenced the quality of feedback given to other students. 98% of the students were engaged in the questions and feedback which contributed to over 92% of the students achieving their target levels in the end of unit science test. These outcomes are contributions to knowledge. Other contributions to knowledge include the new model of discourse presented in this thesis, and two factors that constitute engagement in learning. Pupil voice was a dominant factor as students were in charge of the classroom discourse which was encouraged by the questions and feedback. Some recommendations are made for professional practice and further research.

<p> This phenomenological autoethnographic case study illuminates the emergence of interdisciplinarity in a public high school. The intent is to study how interdisciplinary project-based and personalized learning benefits both students and educators, particularly when working within a gradual release framework utilizing an ethic of care or a &ldquo;Caring&rdquo; approach. Using a phenomenological autoethnographic methodology via a series of reflective vignettes, the case study explores behaviors, practices, conditions, curriculum, and description of specific student outcomes. The design of the study examines my personal experiences, observations, conversations with others, and reflections on the implementation of this model within a high school building promoting two explicit pathways: disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. </p><p>

<p> In Florida, passing the Algebra I end-of-course examination (EOCE) is a graduation requirement. The test measures knowledge of basic algebra. In spring 2015, the Department of Education introduced a different version of the test. For the first two administrations of the new test, the failure rate for 9th-grade students in the state was almost 50%. In contrast, the failure rate for students in the school where this study was implemented exceeded 70%. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of small group intervention focusing on operations with rational numbers of high school students&rsquo; performance on the Algebra I EOCE. </p><p> After analyzing several potential methods of instruction, small group instruction with the incorporation of the use of manipulatives, visuals, and guided inquiry was selected. In addition, the focus of the study was chosen to be operations with rational numbers, an area many researchers have identified as critical for student understanding of algebraic concepts. Twenty students from the target population of 600 10th and 11th grade students volunteered to participate in the study. These participants received three to six small group instruction sessions before retaking the test. In Sept 2016, all the students in the target population were administered the Algebra I EOCE again. A t-test yielded no significant difference in the learning gains of those who participated in the study and the other students in the target population. The implications of the results were that the interventions had no significant impact on student achievement. A possible reason for the lack of success could have been that six intervention sessions were not enough to produce significant results. It is recommended that future research includes a substantially larger number of interventions.</p><p>

<p> Over the past several decades there has been a continuous stream of government mandates aimed to improve equity, access, accountability, transparency, student performance, and/or expand the responsibilities of public schools. These externally mandated school reforms have largely excluded the voice of teachers and administrators both in problem definition and in the modifications needed to address them. Further, reform literature is predominantly focused on improving or addressing urban school challenges, so little is known about the challenges and needs of suburban schools. The gaps in the literature related to teacher voice and suburban contexts in high school reform form the basis of this inquiry. Therefore, this study examines suburban teacher perceptions of four specific, popular reform ideas being introduced in high schools across the United States. </p><p> This exploratory mixed methods study gathered data from 165 suburban public high school teachers working in 20 different high schools in Massachusetts using an anonymous survey instrument. Three findings emerged from the study: 1) successful suburban teachers welcome consensus high school reform ideas that they believe to be favorable for student learning, growth, and development though they note significant challenges in regard to time; 2) suburban teachers experience anxiety when reforms alter structures or methods that they rely on to ensure all students meet high school outcomes for graduation and college entrance requirements; and 3) suburban teachers&rsquo; perceptions of consensus high school reform ideas are shaped by the ways in which the reforms impact academic disciplines. This study found that suburban public school teachers view the four reform ideas presented in this study as likely having a positive impact on teaching and learning in their school; however, they noted several implementation challenges that would need to be considered to ensure the efficacy of those reforms.</p><p>

<p> Achieving and maintaining student engagement within a classroom are issues educators have dealt with since the inception of formal educational systems. The effects of seating arrangements on the classroom ecology have often been an area of concern for teachers. Recently a new trend in education called flexible seating has emerged. Flexible seating consists of a variety of alternative seating options. Proponents of flexible seating allege it creates an environment that decreases off-task behaviors which increases student outcomes through attentiveness. The purpose of this study is to understand how the effects of a flexible seating arrangement impact the ecology of the at-risk secondary classrooms, and to explore advantages and disadvantages of flexible seating in these classrooms. The study&rsquo;s findings are taken from teacher interviews and observations within two at-risk secondary classrooms. The results demonstrate flexible seating increases the democracy in the classroom creating a feeling of well- being and allows self-regulation. However, based on this study educators are advised to learn their students&rsquo; needs and remember the nature of the task should influence the seating arrangement as well. </p><p> <i><b>Key Words:</b></i> flexible seating, traditional seating, at-risk, school ecology, on-task behaviors, off-task behaviors, engagement </p><p>

<p> Student underachievement is a problem in some suburban public schools in North-central Kentucky with a higher than average student gap group. National test scores are more than four points below the national average, and motivation is low. Previous research revealed that infrequent use of methods that prompt students to actively participate in learning, is thought to contribute significantly to this issue. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple-case study was to develop an understanding of the types of teaching methods students these public schools experience, and why their teachers make pedagogical decisions they hope will increase engagement and achievement. Students at the school included in this study were 89% African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, eligible for free/reduced lunch, have limited English proficiency or disabilities. Including a sample of four self-selected experienced educators teaching a variety of subjects. This study, grounded in the theories of Dewey, Piaget, and Vygotsky, included observations and interviews in multiple classrooms and a review of existing data to provide broader insights into the realities of student experiences. Observation analysis took place through a framework developed by Guthrie and Schweisfurth, permitting a determination that, despite previous findings, most observed students at this low-performing public school experienced learner-centered instruction, though one less-experienced teacher interacted with learners through traditional methods, focusing on teacher control. Other findings detailed the teachers&rsquo; belief that absenteeism and low-motivation were problems, and developing relationships with students and those close to them positively impacted attendance, and investment. They said that project-based learning and the use of topics students related to, helped engage learners and gave them confidence. Perhaps more importantly, all but the least-experienced teacher interacted with their students in learner-centered ways. The current researcher recommends supporting less-experienced teachers early in their careers with training strategies so they can better-use learner-centered methods, and training that encourages all teachers to use more project- and inquiry-based lessons, and focus on culturally relevant topics. The most recent test scores showed a narrowing gap for the disadvantaged population at this school, and the actions and beliefs of these teachers suggests they are on track to positively increase student achievement.</p><p>

For many young individuals in their junior year of high school the pressures of getting into the desired secondary education institution of their choice is a nerve-wrecking task. For months they prepare to study for standardized tests and compile their greatest achievements to prove they are worthy enough to be accepted in to these prestigious universities. However, preparation for college starts way before the application season. It leads one to wonder what influential factors surrounding them could affect their odds of being successful in college once they are accepted. This study examines the influential factors that effect a student’s college readiness. The factors tested will be student’s parent income, total enrollment of the high school, total number of high school days in a year, average class size in the high school, and the teacher quality of that high school. A multiple regression will be used to test these independent variables against the high school graduate ready for college percentage for each high school. The slope parameters of the model will be tested through t-tests, p-values, and f-tests. The sample size will consist of Illinois High Schools who have completed an Illinois High School Report Card required by the No Child Left Behind law. In addition, a ten question survey will be dispersed to a population of fifty college students at SIU focusing on factors they believe have been influential on their college success. This study will aim to improve the understanding of all the factors that go into equipping high school students for a milestone that can ultimately affect their economic outcomes in life.

<p> With the increasing human population, it is critical to develop informed citizens with ecological perspectives and motivation to make positive contributions to the biosphere. This study investigates the impact of a place-based science elective on the development of students&rsquo; ecological identities, motivation for environmental action, and ecojustice self-efficacy. Targeted curriculum was implemented, including a campus habitat design project. Pre and post tests for three instruments were used to assess 25 high school freshmen, half of whom are members of a STEM program. There was an increase in nature relatedness, motivation and self-efficacy for STEM students but not for non-STEM students. The research study demonstrated the effectivity of using place-based curriculum within classes to encourage student connection, empowerment and involvement. Support for teachers to develop targeted mentoring of students&rsquo; abilities and interests are needed and can help develop informed, involved global citizens. </p><p>

<p>Abstract Many secondary administrators, coaches, and security personnel have advocated for an intervention method to curtail the swell of referrals, ejections, and violence from the spectator sections in attendance at these events. The spirit of Olympism and sportsmanship is considered a core element of these events. The problem was that many of the events have seen a rise in these incidents. There is a correlation of the infusion of these elements, and the atmosphere at these events. The purpose of this experimental study was to explore whether a spectator covenant of behavior, would help to bind the parties to adherence to upholding these standards in a Central Arizona high school, located in the East Valley of Phoenix. This could help the administrators, coaches, and school personnel as an ancillary benefit, to the obvious decrease of these referrals. The analysis of archival against real-time data were based on the increase or decrease of said incidents, before the covenant was in place and while the covenant was in effect. These records are kept every year, and in each event. The implications of this study are that use of this type of intervention may be successful in similar situations and events. Recommendations for practice are for covenants to become a standard practice at sporting events. Recommendations for future study include conducting subsequent studies in several different areas of the country with varying crowd sizes. A future case study could be designed using parents who volunteer to sign an agreement and stay true to the binding covenant.

<p> Research suggests that participation in the School Breakfast Program positively impacts academic success by improving student behavior, cognitive functioning, and attendance. Additionally, the School Breakfast Program appears to improve food insecurity, overall health and weight-related issues. However, compared to the National School Lunch Program, participation in the School Breakfast Program has been historically low, especially at the high school level. Using an integrated composite framework, a combination of social cognitive theory and ecological systems theory, as the conceptual model, this qualitative case study explored factors influencing student breakfast eating and participation in the school&rsquo;s breakfast program within a college-preparatory high school serving culturally diverse, predominantly low-income students. I used an all-staff survey as a qualitative data collection tool, and semi-structured interviews with school staff, student focus groups, and a Draw-A-High-School-Student-Breakfast Test to collect qualitative data. Using thematic networks as an analysis tool, I examined the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of school staff and students about breakfast eating and participation in the school&rsquo;s breakfast program. The study found that communication about the School Breakfast Program, arriving to school in time to eat, and relationships with food service staff, influence participation in the School Breakfast Program. The findings are discussed in terms of their significance on practice and policy within both education and public health sectors. The study concludes with recommendations for future research.</p><p>