Research Interests

 

The Topics

• Intrinsic Motivation among first-generation Hispanic American high school students, in the context of Computer Science Education.
• The education environment set at Home by parents
• The role of Community - particularly of religious nature - in the Education Process.

The Research Questions

1. To what extent does expanding the cultural categories of family and community influence the intrinsic motivation of Hispanic American high school (ages 15 to 18 ) students in Computer Science education?
2. What are Hispanic American high school students' (ages 15 to 18) perceptions of these strategies' impact on their motivation? 

The Framework

The planning framework for action research developed by Whitehead (1989) emphasizes the individual nature of the process and focuses on personal change and growth as outcomes. It consists of a series of questions that guide researchers in articulating their concerns, planning actions, and evaluating the impact of their research.

Whitehead's Seven Questions

Whitehead proposes seven questions that encourage a deep and reflective approach to planning action research:

• "What is my concern?" This question prompts researchers to identify the specific issue or problem that motivates their inquiry. It encourages a clear and focused starting point for the research process.

As a society, we are losing the contributions that first-generation Hispanic American students can bring if they do not embrace the long-term benefits of formal education.

• "Why am I concerned?" This question asks researchers to articulate their personal and professional reasons for investigating the chosen concern. It emphasizes the connection between the research and the researcher's values, beliefs, and experiences.

I have a personal aversion to waste, especially the squandered abilities I have observed among First-Generation Hispanic American students in my CSP/IST classes. I also have a personal interest in promoting the Common Good, which can be negatively impacted by the “conformismo” exhibited by some students.

• "What do I think I can do about it?" This question encourages researchers to brainstorm potential actions and interventions to address their concerns. It promotes a proactive and solution-oriented approach to research.

I can fine-tune the Avg80 Challenge to expand family and community cultural categories, establishing a self-propelled intrinsic motivation among students.

• "What will I do about it?" This question prompts researchers to develop specific plans for implementing their chosen actions. It emphasizes the practical application of research findings and the importance of taking concrete steps to improve practice.

I will conduct an action research project expanding on the ACM paper I wrote between January 6th and the third week of February. I will use my findings as an addendum to be presented at the ACM conference in Pittsburgh.

• "How will I gather evidence to show that I am influencing the situation?" This question encourages researchers to identify methods for collecting data that will demonstrate the impact of their actions. It highlights the importance of evidence-based practice and the need for rigorous data collection.

I will employ a mixed-methods research design to verify my thesis regarding the source of the problem and assess the effectiveness of the Avg80 Challenge as an active instructional methodology. An increase in the average response to the Internal Motivation survey and the grades of the participants will determine the effectiveness of the Avg80Ext Challenge.

• "How will I ensure that any judgments I make are fair and accurate?" This question prompts researchers to consider the potential biases and limitations of their research and to develop strategies for ensuring the fairness and accuracy of their judgments. It emphasizes the importance of reflexivity and critical self-reflection in action research.

I will ensure that my research adheres to all relevant ethical practices. I will also utilize the resources available through the educational institution I am affiliated with at the time of conducting my research, and I will submit my findings to a peer review process of a reputable professional organization, such as the ACM or the Computer Society.

• "What will I do then?" This question prompts researchers to consider the next steps in their research process and to reflect on how their findings might inform future actions and inquiries. It emphasizes the cyclical and ongoing nature of action research, as well as the importance of continuous improvement.

I will apply the findings of my research to enhance my pedagogical practices in the computer lab, benefiting the students in my classes, their families, and our community. I will also present my research results in a way that makes their principles easy for other educators to transfer to similar settings.

References

Whitehead, J. (1989). Creating a Living Educational Theory from Questions of the Kind, ‘How do I Improve my Practice?’. Cambridge Journal of Education, 19(1), 41–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764890190106