Sample of Work

Throughout this course, I had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the learning theories our field is built upon. This course encouraged me to think about my personal beliefs surrounding student learning and research. The lessons and activities in this course helped me better understand how I might fit within the LDT field and prepared me for my first research study. Below are examples of some of the work I completed.

Final Research Proposal- My research proposal introduces my research idea, the learning theories supporting my study, and the scholars who have influenced my research. 

Situatedness in LDT- Throughout the course of the semester, we were given multiple opportunities to reflect on our research and how we might fit within the LDT field. This reflection is my final submission in which I reflect on my research study and how the readings I completed throughout the semester have influenced my research design. 

This year I have had the opportunity to design and propose my first research study. The purpose of the study is to analyze the development of computational thinking (CT) in young learners who are learning to program. The development of CT will be observed in an after-school coding program for 4th-5th students at a local elementary school. In particular, the study will explore the development of CT as learners move from unplugged coding activities (i.e, without a computer) to plugged activities (e.g., Microsoft Bits, Scratch). Over 7 weeks, students will engage in a variety of activities that support CT and coding skills. Data collection will focus on pre-post gains in CT skills, programming knowledge, and interest in coding in the future. A secondary goal of this study is to track how specific Georgia Mathematical Standards (2023) are met while learning to code. 

CCSD Research Proposal- Proposal that was submitted to Clarke County School District. 

Coding Club Flyer- Flyers to be sent out to 4th- 5th grade students advertising the club. A English and Spanish version is included. 

Pre/Post Coding Attitudes Survey- I am using the Elementary Student Coding Attitudes Survey, which was created by Stacie Mason and Peter Rich

Pre/Post Scratch Test- I designed the Scratch test based on the coding skills I hope the students will gain by the end of the study.

Coding Lessons & Research Plan- Included is an outline of the lessons  I intend to teach throughout the program and notes of the data I intend to collect.