My ePortfolio
ETEC 6430
Educational Research: Apply Research

Cognitive Learning Theory
Our experimental research was developed by becoming aware of students lack of conceptual understanding within the mathematical standards. Students learned their mathematics at a surface level and were able to apply it to problem solving, however they were lacking the understanding behind the mathematical reasoning. Our research problem was associated with cognitive learning theory, which states, “cognitivist approach would mean for instance focusing on teaching learners how to learn, on developing stronger or new mental processes for future learning, and on developing deeper and constantly changing understanding of concepts and ideas” (Bates and Here 2019).
Bates, T., & Here, P. (2019, March 17). Learning theories and online LEARNING: Tony Bates. Retrieved May 20, 2021, from https://www.tonybates.ca/2014/07/29/learning-theories-and-online-learning/
ETEC 6430 Reflection
In this course of time, I had the opportunity to partake in an educational experimental research. A group of four conducted an applied research experiment in perspective to enhancing students conceptual understanding within the mathematical standards. We framed our question centered on the platform in which we are currently teaching. In the past year, we been teaching our students through distance learning. Nonetheless, even throughout distance learning platform, we noticed that math was taught more as procedure process and not enabling deep understanding within the mathematics. We knew that Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning played a big part in the science field, but we realized that it provided a structure way for students to conduct their procedure and compose the reasoning. We decided to apply C.E.R. in our class and observe it’s influence and impact in the students learning. We established two different groups, a control group and a experimental group. On the control group, the students were taught math using regular methods. On the experimental group, the students were taught math using the C.E.R. method. At the end of the unit, we collected the scores of the assessments of both groups and analyzed the data. We realized that there was significance difference within both groups, which determined that C.E.R. can help students’ conceptual understanding in math. It was exciting going through the process of the research and making my own conclusions based on genuine data. Even though distance learning played a major factor in students learning, I am motivated to try C.E.R in the classroom and conduct another educational experimental research.