Run PDSA cycles in which researcher-practitioner teams test modified assignments against as-is versions across multiple classrooms¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The paper recommends organizing improvement work as Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles in which teachers and researchers create "two or more versions of some assignments: the 'as-is' version and a modified version" and use a platform like Terracotta to test whether the modified version works better across at least three different teachers and classrooms. Iterative cycles test one idea at a time, keeping what works and discarding what does not, and improvements are checked when implemented by different teachers and settings.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A networked improvement community of researchers and practitioners
• A digital platform capable of randomizing assignment versions and collecting detailed data

Constraints¶

• Other research methods beyond what the platform supports would likely be needed for summative evaluations of combined improvements across the district

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students, including English learners and students with disabilities

Target Learning Goals¶

• Improving reading comprehension in STEM assignments and learning in STEM courses

Related Strategies¶

• Five recommendations for integrating Improvement Science with SEERNet
• Action Research
• Lesson Study

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Manai, J., & Roschelle, J. (2024, November). Connecting SEERNet and Improvement Science to Pursue Better Outcomes in Schools. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/234