MED 595
Assignment#1
Due Wednesday June 7, 2017

1. Read Michael W. Kibby's chapter on the purposes, processes, and domains of educational research. I apologize in advance for the highlighting- 20 years ago I used highlighters with great frequency apparently! This chapter provides you with an overview of the types of research and things to consider when reading research papers.

2. Read the research paper on Lesson Study. As you read, pay attention to the style of writing as well as reading for insight and understanding. Notice how the authors weave in past work and citations that provide background and in some cases, the foundation for what they want to explore. Make substantive notes regarding your observations, questions, and aspects of interest. If you prefer a hard copy, I'd be happy to print it for you if you are able to pick it up in SAMC 159. Note the journal the article is published in. This is the premier research journal for mathematics education. Lastly, open the MED 690 Project rubric and read the Advanced-level descriptions for each of the 5 chapters. Are you able to identify parts of the article that would align with the 5-chapter project format? Does the article address all of the criteria listed at the Advanced-level scale of the rubric? Make note of any weaknesses you identify for discussion on 6/14.

3. Read the first section of Questions to Guide the Reading of Experimental and Quasi-experimental Research also by Michael Kibby. (the first section is titled The Research Problem) The link to the document is also on the course homepage– under Reading Research.

4. Writing Task: Once you've read the many questions in The Research Problem, I'd like you to go back to the Lesson Study article and respond to each question given in 1 – 4. Respond to everything Michael Kibby has listed- parenthetical questions and sub-questions as well as the main question. Do your best to respond despite your limited experience in critically reading research reports. It will provide us with fodder for conversation as we develop your abilities to break down and analyze a research report. You can email this to me when you have it completed or by the due date listed above.