Formative Action Research The goal of teaching is to have students achieve the desired learning outcomes through retaining concepts and applying them to real-world scenarios. However, there are various teaching techniques that are available to teachers in their efforts to promote student learning and achievement. In most cases, teachers tend to use the same teaching and learning approaches that were used to teach them. As the modern society continues to develop, there are concerns regarding the most suitable teaching strategy that would help to meet students’ needs and learning goals. Current teaching approaches are classified either as teacher-led or student-led teaching techniques. For new and existing teachers, the identification of the most suitable strategy to employ in the classroom is critical toward achieving the desired learning goals and improving student achievement through meeting their learning needs.

Part 1: Purpose, Problem Statement, and Research Questions

Purpose

This formative action research paper seeks to explore an issue in the current educational environment with respect to student learning. Given the variety of teaching approaches that are available in today’s educational sector, there are concerns on the most suitable means to improve teaching. Improving teaching strategies is a major issue in today’s educational setting because of the increased changes in education, particularly those brought by technology and globalization (The Room 241 Team, 2012). The purpose of this action research is to determine the most beneficial and suitable approach between student led activities and traditional lectures.

Problem Statement

I am an aspiring teacher who is currently understanding a Master degree course in Education. Throughout my academic years, I have learned a lot about the various aspects of student teaching and learning....

The course has provided me with significant insights on teaching strategies and tools that would help promote student learning and achievement. However, I am concerned on the best approach in developing and utilizing a teaching technique in the classroom. While the course has provided me with significant insights regarding education and my role as a teacher/school administrator, I am slightly confused about the most suitable teaching strategy that I would employ in my future classroom or teaching practice.
I have been asking myself: “What is the best teaching approach between student led activities and traditional lectures?” To answer the question, I have decided to engage in an individual action research that has a descriptive purpose. At this point, I am concerned with identifying the most suitable approach between student led activities and traditional lectures with respect to enhanced student learning and achievement.

Research Questions

To achieve the purpose of this individual action research, I have identified three research questions to guide the study as follows…

1. What is the difference between student led activities and traditional lectures in the classroom?

2. What are the benefits associated with student led activities vs. traditional lectures?

3. What is the most suitable and beneficial approach between the two in enhancing student learning and achievement?

Part 2 – Literature Review

The issue of teaching strategies and approaches has been the subject of numerous studies over the years. This issue has received significant attention in recent years because of the changes in school settings, curriculum, and increased integration of technology in the classroom. For this individual action research, I have identified some several studies that have been previously conducted on…