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RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Kaylee Oh
Independent Research G/T
2016-2017
Title: Dont Raise Your Hand: The Effect of Mandatory Participation on Students
Introduction and Overview of Research:
The effect of mandatory participation and the grading of participation are the general
areas of investigation. The problem being attempted to solve is whether or not participation and
discussion in middle and high school classrooms should be required for a grade. This problem
will be solved by analyzing the phenomenon of participation, what factors cause participation,
the factors of the grading of participation, and the effect of mandatory participation on students.
The goal of this research is to understand the necessity of participation and participation grades,
and to inform others about the effects it can have on students. In the end, it would be important to
share findings to ensure students receive a fair and equal opportunity in the classroom.
Background and Rationale:
Ever since the beginning of school systems, we have always been told Raise your hand
before you speak!. Students across the world are required and expected to participate in
classroom discussions every single day. Sometimes, participation can account for at least 13% of
a final grade according to Dr. Maryellen Weimer. The dictionary definition of participation is to
take or have a part or share, as with others; partake; share. However, the meaning and value of
participation can differ between each individual student and each individual teacher. The effect
of participation and the necessity of participation can differ between class subject. Students have
so much to balance on their plate: schoolwork, homework, sports, extracurricular activities, jobs.
Sometimes, participation can fall on the back burner, putting more stress on students when they
receive a low overall grade, due to the fact they are graded for their discussion.
This study is to understand whether or not participation should be a requirement, and
what effect it can have on a student. It is important to understand why teachers choose to grade
participation and the difficulty of the act itself. Being in high school, students experience long
nights preparing and the little hours of sleep stressing about grades and how to improve them.
However, if the effects are only harmful and there are no great benefits, the stress might not be
worth it. Classrooms are extremely diverse places and all students are different, and learn best in
different ways. Participation may not be fair to people who are introverted, shy, quiet, or have
anxiety. It can also be difficult to assess participation in particular class subjects. It is important
to know the necessity of it, if it does not apply to every single student.
Research Methodology:
Research Question:
Should the grading of participation and discussion in middle and high school classrooms be
required, and what are its effects on students?
Research Hypothesis:
The grading of participation and discussion in middle and high school classrooms should not be
required due to the possibility of negative effects on students.
It will be argued that there is no constant definition of participation or method to evaluate
participation. It will also be argued that the necessity of participation can differ between class
subject, and there are many factors that determine whether or not participation should be
required.
Research Design Model:

A Descriptive Research method and qualitative research will be used. This topic is
opinion based, and there are few statistics and numbers that can be used as evidence to support
any claims made. The effect participation has on student will be analyzed and the phenomenon
of participation and grading participation will be analyzed. Whether class participation is
required or not is a variable, and the amount of stress students feel is another variable. The
teacher and student definition is a variable, and the class subject and environment are variables.
Operational definitions will include participation since it differs from each individual and stress
as it differs from individuals as well.
Data Collection:
The proposed method of original data collection would be a mix between surveys and
interviews. This method was chosen because of the personal ideas and operational definitions
within the research question and hypothesis. Also, the answers needed will be very opinion
based, so it would be better to communicate with people experiencing and participating in this
phenomenon. The data will be collected from students in middle and high schools, teachers
working in middle and high schools, and educational policy professionals, The data of past and
collected research will be analyzed and new observations and ideas will be brought forth.
Product Objectives:
The product and outcome of the year of study will be a presentation to a group of
educators and a created lesson plan to emphasize the findings of the research. This was chosen to
best show the reasons as to why participation should not be required and to present possible,
more effective alternatives. The targeted audience is educators. Students and educators will
benefit the understanding of the research, so they know why participation should not be required,
and improve the way of learning and teaching. It will be performed by presentation and an
explanation of the created lesson plan. The physical lesson plan would be implemented to show
benefits and provide evidence to the findings.
Logistical Considerations:
Human, print, organizations, and media resources will be required for the project and
product. There will be no cost, few materials, equipment, and transportation. Printing and
distribution will be required. I will need permission from students, educators, and policy
professionals to allow for the use of their opinions and feedback.
In third quarter, a timeline will be added that outlines the data collection, product development,
and audience distribution.
Approval:

_______________________
Student Signature

_______________________
G/T Resource Teacher Signature

References:
Weimer, Maryellen. How Much Should Class Participation Count toward the Final Grade?
Faculty Focus | Higher Ed Teaching &Amp; Learning, 23 May 2016,
www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/how-much-should-class-participationcount-toward-the-final-grade/.

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