Date of Award
Spring 2023
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
Leigh D’Amico
Abstract
The purpose of this action study was to determine the impact the use of culturally relevant instructional methods (researcher created term) would have on student achievement and student motivation. The use of culturally relevant teaching methods is rooted in culturally relevant pedagogy first introduced by Gloria Ladson-Billings and culturally responsive teaching practices first introduced by Geneva Gay. The study implemented an intervention cycle that modified the fourth-grade curriculum by differentiating lessons based on learning style, incorporating an “activator” that connects to the students’ culture and builds background knowledge, allowing student choice for instructional text, increasing the use of culturally relevant material, and offering direct and immediate feedback. Data were collected through observations, surveys, grade reports, and STAR reports. The data was analyzed to determine a positive, negative, or no impact to the use of culturally relevant instructional methods. The study included 19 student participants and two teacher participants from a Title 1 school in a rural county.
Rights
© 2023, Amia Dixon
Recommended Citation
Dixon, A.(2023). Student Engagement Action Research a Focus on Culturally Relevant Instructional Methods. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/7286