https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final Section 54 en-us 2021-05-17 03:44:39 UTC 2026-03-11 20:20:03 UTC hello@padlet.com mikiokazaki1 https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529765810 This course gave me the opportunity to include my class in my research project. The "I Wonder" Padlet created at the beginning of the semester provided me with a strong foundation and various options of action research possibilities. It was helpful that we decided that our "wonders" were action researchable prior to beginning the project. 

This project also highlighted the benefits of action research as an educator and researcher. The process of meticulously planning a lesson, then witnessing the lesson's impact first hand helped me realize how this form of research will help me think critically about my own work and develop deeper collaborative relationships with my peers and superiors.

At the beginning of the semester, the project seemed very daunting and intimidating. Planning and implementing various interventions with my students, as well as, analyzing and discussing findings with Rachel, provided me with the confidence necessary to attempt an action research project again.]]> 2021-05-17 03:53:37 UTC https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529765810 mikiokazaki1 https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529766057 This course stressed the importance of creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive classroom community. Diverse classrooms have a multitude of benefits, such as developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, promoting awareness, teaching students to be more empathetic, open-minded, and accepting towards others, and creating a learning environment where all students feel represented and valued. 

I learned that teachers can create a culturally responsive classroom that celebrates diversity by getting to know their students, respecting and including all students and families, incorporating diversity into daily lessons, and understanding their own biases. 

The group presentations shared in Week 6 provided a lot of insight and resources regarding diversity in the classroom. It is imperative that all students are accepted and treated with respect, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. ]]> 2021-05-17 03:53:47 UTC https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529766057 mikiokazaki1 https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529766331 At the beginning of the semester, I created a Padlet with various "wonders." Here are some examples of action researchable ones that I included in my initial Padlet: 
- I wonder if students prefer to collaborate online in shared documents or in person. 
- I wonder if students are benefitting from learning Math online. Do students prefer to use platforms like PearDeck and Kami or traditional paper and pencil to show their work? 
- I wonder what are the best platforms and software for gamification to build student learning, understanding, and participation. 

The research question that I selected for my Action Research Case Study was based on this assignment. My partner, Rachel, and I decided to combine our "wonders"  and focus on the impact of gamification on student achievement and engagement in regards to 5th grade Mathematics concepts. It was amazing to share and compare "wonders" with peers and witness my "wonder" come to life! ]]> 2021-05-17 03:53:59 UTC https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529766331 mikiokazaki1 https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529791050 My research partner, Rachel, and I decided on the research question: In what ways does gamification impact student achievement and engagement in regards to fifth grade Mathematics concepts. Through pre- and post- assessments and surveys, as well as three rounds of GimKit interventions, Rachel and I concluded that gamification does not positively impact student achievement, however it does increase engagement and motivation.

From this experience, I learned that it is important that educators know their students and their needs prior to implementing gamification software in the classroom. In addition, it is necessary to have a strong classroom community where students feel comfortable to compete with their peers and understand all classroom expectations and routines.
I also found that students prefer competing in a synchronous learning environment where they can communicate with their peers and teacher. Students also expressed that they would rather compete with peers on concepts that they are confident in and can answer at a quick pace. ]]> 2021-05-17 04:10:05 UTC https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529791050 mikiokazaki1 https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529870945 I enjoyed learning more about my preferential learning style and discussing similarities and differences with my peers. The Find Your Strength Survey and Four Layers of Diversity Model really helped me understand myself more as a learner. Next year, I plan to have my students complete the survey in order to best implement lessons catered to their needs. I loved having the opportunity to share best practices, strategies, and experiences with my classmates. 

The Learning Theory Smackdown in Week 4 was not only a lot of fun, but very educational. Splitting into teams and debating made the topics a lot more engaging and easy to digest. In my credential program, I learned about Piaget and Vygotsky, but it was nice to brush up and remind myself about their theories in a graduate setting. ]]> 2021-05-17 04:49:07 UTC https://padlet.com/mikiokazaki1/529final/wish/1529870945