Action Research Design Outline

​

I. Topic of Action Research

The topic of this action research study is the use of GoGuardian as a digital classroom management and monitoring tool with 11th-grade U.S. History students in a blended learning environment at Hillcrest School. The study examines how GoGuardian influences student engagement, on-task behavior, and instructional decision-making during device-based instruction.

​

II. Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of GoGuardian when implemented with 11th-grade U.S. History students during blended and technology-supported instruction. This research seeks to determine whether GoGuardian supports student focus, accountability, and engagement, as well as how the tool assists the teacher in making timely instructional and classroom management decisions.

​

          a.     Why this design was chosen

          The findings will be used to refine GoGuardian implementation practices and                          improve instructional effectiveness within similar secondary history classrooms at              Hillcrest.

​

III. Research Question

How does the use of GoGuardian impact student engagement and on-task behavior among 11th-grade U.S. History students in a blended learning classroom at Hillcrest School?

​

IV. Research Design

This study uses a mixed method of research design. This design was chosen because it allows for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data, providing a more complete understanding of GoGuardian’s impact on learning and instruction. Quantitative data will be used to identify patterns in student engagement and on-task behavior, while qualitative data will capture student and teacher perceptions that explain those patterns. Using both types of data strengthens the findings and supports informed instructional and implementation decisions within the classroom.

​

V. Data Collection

Data collected will include:

- Pre- and post-student engagement surveys

- Classroom observation notes

- GoGuardian usage and alert data

- Student reflection responses

- Teacher reflective journaling

​

VI. Measurement Instruments

Measurement tools will include:

- Likert-scale surveys

- Open-ended reflection questions

- Structured observation checklists

- GoGuardian analytics reports

- Teacher reflection prompts

​

VII. Literature Review Focus

The literature review will focus on:

- Action research in secondary classrooms

- Digital classroom management tools

- Student engagement and self-regulation

- Teacher use of instructional data

- Ethical considerations of digital monitoring

​

VIII. TEKS Alignment: U.S. History Studies Since 1877 (Grade 11)

This action research aligns with TEKS §113.41(b)(29) Social Studies Skills, emphasizing:

- Critical thinking and analysis of digital information

- Interpretation and evaluation of primary and secondary sources

- Responsible use of technology for research and learning

- Communication of historical understanding through written and visual forms

GoGuardian supports these standards by promoting focused technology use during research, analysis, and content creation activities in 11th-grade U.S. History.

​

References

​

Mertler, C. A. (2023). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (7th ed.). SAGE Publications.