Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Elizabeth Ankeny
Second Advisor
Matthew Haines
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to focus on increasing engagement and motivation in an alternative learning mathematics classroom. The study uses qualitative methods to observe students in an alternative learning program's mathematics classroom as they work towards obtaining a mathematics credit needed for graduation. Direct participant observation, passive observation, teacher field notes, student assessment scores, structured formal interviews, and surveys are utilized in data collection. Following the analyzation and coding of data, the findings suggest that students need relevant curriculum and personalized learning to entice greater engagement and motivation in an alternative learning mathematics classroom. Another finding suggests that positive relationships formed from providing personalized learning to individual students can aid in the creation of relevant curriculum. Finally, ownership in the classroom from both teachers and students is necessary for improvement of engagement and motivation.
Identifier
SC 11.MAE.2016.Loftus.R
Recommended Citation
Loftus, Rachel, "Alternative Learning: A Focus on Increased Engagement and Motivation in a Mathematics Classroom" (2016). Theses and Graduate Projects. 1392.
https://idun.augsburg.edu/etd/1392