1
WGU D180 TASK 1: EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
(OPM4) |PASSED ON FIRST
ATTEMPT |LATEST UPDATE WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTION
Identifying a Research Topic
MSCIN Program, Western Governors University
D180: Educational Research (OPM4)
Paula Westerman
Date…..
, 2
Proposed Capstone Research Topic
Differentiated learning with small group instruction is essential to the success of
students’ learning in mathematics. For my capstone, I would like to explore how teachers can
effectively implement differentiated instruction to meet the needs of learners where they are in
the subject of math. This topic aligns with the field of curriculum and instruction because
differentiated learning is a research-based teaching strategy that can be implemented to improve
educators’ instruction and student learning outcomes. According to Bodur, Unal, & Unal (2022),
differentiated instruction allows teachers to provide assessments according to students’ needs
and observe students’ academic progress. This pertains to the field of curriculum and instruction
because varying instructional practices based on students’ needs help teachers improve their
teaching practices. Another reason that differentiated learning in the math classroom is important
to the field of curriculum and instruction is because it gives students an increase in confidence
and assists them in achieving a growth mindset. Mandelker & Stein Dzaldov (2023) point out
that when students’ differences are recognized by using differentiated instruction, learners feel
included in their learning environment.
Problem Statement
The problem within the school I teach is that teachers do not have adequate knowledge
and strategies to implement differentiated instruction effectively in the math classroom. This is
important because educators need to apply differentiated instructional practices to ensure their
students are receiving effective, individualized instruction. The cause of this issue is teachers not
being provided with engaging, effective differentiated instructional strategies to help all students
succeed.
WGU D180 TASK 1: EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
(OPM4) |PASSED ON FIRST
ATTEMPT |LATEST UPDATE WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTION
Identifying a Research Topic
MSCIN Program, Western Governors University
D180: Educational Research (OPM4)
Paula Westerman
Date…..
, 2
Proposed Capstone Research Topic
Differentiated learning with small group instruction is essential to the success of
students’ learning in mathematics. For my capstone, I would like to explore how teachers can
effectively implement differentiated instruction to meet the needs of learners where they are in
the subject of math. This topic aligns with the field of curriculum and instruction because
differentiated learning is a research-based teaching strategy that can be implemented to improve
educators’ instruction and student learning outcomes. According to Bodur, Unal, & Unal (2022),
differentiated instruction allows teachers to provide assessments according to students’ needs
and observe students’ academic progress. This pertains to the field of curriculum and instruction
because varying instructional practices based on students’ needs help teachers improve their
teaching practices. Another reason that differentiated learning in the math classroom is important
to the field of curriculum and instruction is because it gives students an increase in confidence
and assists them in achieving a growth mindset. Mandelker & Stein Dzaldov (2023) point out
that when students’ differences are recognized by using differentiated instruction, learners feel
included in their learning environment.
Problem Statement
The problem within the school I teach is that teachers do not have adequate knowledge
and strategies to implement differentiated instruction effectively in the math classroom. This is
important because educators need to apply differentiated instructional practices to ensure their
students are receiving effective, individualized instruction. The cause of this issue is teachers not
being provided with engaging, effective differentiated instructional strategies to help all students
succeed.
