Scott Merkel
Describe what brought you to this research:
According to National Department of Education Statistics (Aud, Wilkinson-Flicker, Kristapovich, Rathbun, Wang, & Zhang, 2013) the costs of attending college and obtaining a four-year degree have risen exponentially over the past two decades. The effects of hyper-inflated higher education costs have been wide ranging. Yet, little research exists to help better make sense of how early commitment of financial aid, or the lack thereof, is impacting students college-going choices. The purpose of this action research project was to explore the ideas of early commitment of scholarships and how the improved transparency would impact students.
What was your specific research question?
What are the impacts of a micro-scholarship program on college-choice behavior and academic motivation?
What are you currently doing as a credentialed practitioner?
I am currently a school counselor at a large comprehensive high school in Northern Virginia. I am constantly looking for ways to better assist my student population and integrate data into my practice in order to make sound decisions. My experience with action research, and in particular my project and its success has given me confidence that I can identify resources and technology that will better serve students, and I now have the skills to be able to back up those otherwise anecdotal arguments. I am currently looking at how I can leverage my current position in the school to help drive localized reforms and policy changes that will better serve our students.
Performance Based Micro-Scholarships: Rewarding Student Achievement In Real Time
Abstract
Innovation often transcends the given, creating new opportunities for social progress. With inconceivable increases in the cost of higher education, the early commitment of financial aid stands out as a potentially substantial opportunity to positively impact the higher education financial aid system. This action research study explored the use of technology as a mode of illustrating early commitment of financial aid and how it might influence college choice and academic motivation for 9th-11th grade Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students. The researcher utilized a three-cycle mixed-method action research approach with a primary focus on participants earning micro-scholarships in real time. Focus groups were established by the researcher to better understand participant perspectives. Preliminary findings showed that students were eager to see instant feedback for their achievements in school. There was also a palpable excitement and optimism among students about the possibilities associated with attending their “dream” school no matter their socioeconomic status.
To explore more of Scott's action research, see the link provided below: