Research  

 
Study Title

Digital Portfolios in Middle School: A Phenomenographic Study of Student Engagement and Achievement
   
Abstract
 The purpose of this phenomenographic study was to examine how the development of digital portfolios by middle school students impacts student engagement and student achievement. Data collection, using a mixed methods approach, included interviews of six eighth grade students, content analysis of eighteen student portfolios, and the use of secondary source data from state assessment reports and from the My Voice Student Aspirations Survey. T-tests were used to compare the assessment and survey data between twenty-three portfolio and non-portfolio schools. Content analysis was used to analyze portfolio data using a category-coding procedure. The absence of schools with robust portfolio processes in place at the time of the study made it necessary to adjust the definition of portfolio schools for purposes of the quantitative portion of the study. Results of the quantitative data analysis indicated no significant difference between portfolio and non-portfolio schools, while qualitative data revealed strong evidence that digital portfolios have a positive impact on student engagement.
   
Study Questions

This study sought to answer whether the development of digital portfolios by middle school students has an impact on student engagement and achievement. Two research questions were constructed to examine student engagement. One of them was measured quantitatively using a student perceptions survey and the other was measured using qualitative data from student interviews and portfolio content analyses. Two more questions, both measured with quantitative data from state academic assessments, were constructed to examine student achievement.

  • Does student creation of digital portfolios have an impact on student engagement, as measured by the My Voice Student Aspirations Survey?
  • Does student creation of digital portfolios have an impact on student engagement, as measured by student interviews and portfolio reviews?
  • Does student creation of digital portfolios have an impact on student achievement in reading, as measured by state assessment tests?
  • Does student creation of digital portfolios have an impact on student achievement in mathematics, as measured by state assessment tests?
   
Selection of Subjects
Take a look at the selection process for identifying schools and students.
   
Summary and Conclusions
Take a look at a summary of the study and its conclusions and recommendations.
   
References

Take a look at the references included in this dissertation.

   
Presentation
 This presentation will walk you through the study.

Last update: May 28, 2008