Question

A second grade teacher ask the principal for permission to conduct an action research study based on a proposed research question; how will exposure to technology on a regular basis improve academic progress in reading? The principal asked the teacher to conduct a literature review and write a synthesis of the literature related to the proposed research question. In the teachers search for the literature they found studies supportiing the use of technology to improve reading and others that did not conclude the use of technology on a regular basis improved academic findings in readings based on this finding what should the teachers synthesis include?

Answer 1

The teacher's synthesis should critically evaluate and present a balanced review of the research on technology's impact on reading progress, considering different findings and relevant factors including the digital divide.

Step-by-step explanation:

The teacher's synthesis should reflect a nuanced understanding of the research supporting and contesting the efficacy of technology use in improving academic progress in reading. It must include a balanced review that not only presents studies with positive findings but also those that highlight potential drawbacks or lack of significant improvements. The synthesis should critically evaluate the methodologies of the studies, consider the contexts in which technology was used, and discuss the potential reasons for the disparate findings. This approach respects the ongoing process of reaching a consensus in the scientific community and acknowledges the critical thinking required to navigate through contradictory research findings.

In synthesizing the literature, the teacher should consider the possible impact of various factors, such as the age and background of students, the type of technology used, the educational setting, and the nature of the reading tasks. Likewise, the synthesis should recognize the digital divide, where differences in technology access could influence outcomes. Engaging with both qualitative and quantitative data, the teacher’s synthesis should provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research and offer insights into future directions for study.