Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/733
Browse
4 results
Search Results
Item Competitively engaging fifth grade students with formative assessment(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2023) Lopez, Daniel Patrick; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: C. John GravesThe purpose of this study was to determine how a population of students would respond if competition was introduced in the classroom. The use of competition to engage students and promote better learning is debated in the classroom. Some students find that its use is fun and novel, while others may respond with indifference, distress, or even anxiety. In this study, a low-stakes classroom competition was introduced in hopes of alleviating any pressure students might feel to perform well. During a unit on matter and energy, three classes of fifth-grade students completed daily bellwork questions. Average values for the two treatment groups (N=47) were calculated and shared so students could see which class achieved a higher average. This was repeated every day throughout the two-week unit. The control group (N=22) received the same lessons and bellwork problems, but they were not shown how their scores compared to the other classes. Data was collected using pre- and post-tests, Likert-surveys, and teacher-led group interviews. Pre- and post-test results indicated that there were no significant differences in normalized gains between the control group to the treatment groups. Likert-surveys provided students a chance to anonymously share how they felt about competing. The results, 93.1% (n=40) of surveyed students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "Competing with my class to score higher than the other classes makes me want to do better." Finally, guided group interviews revealed that most students enjoyed competing with their classmates; even students that do not consider themselves competitive felt that the competition motivated them to try harder in class.Item Effects of competition in the conceptual physics classroom(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2018) Clark, Bruce; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Greg FrancisStudent engagement has been an issue plaguing modern classroom across the country. Students who struggle academically tend to lack motivation to be an active participant in the classroom causing them to fall further behind, thus creating a positive feedback loop in which students that struggle become less and less involved in the classroom. Competition, despite its occasional negative press, can be a positive motivator for people and in particular students. This study investigated whether competition in various labs throughout a conceptual physics course positively impacted student engagement in the classroom. This study also investigated the effects of competition on student comprehension as well as its effects on the student's general attitude towards education. The results indicated that controlled, or adaptive competition increased student's engagement in the conceptual physics classroom and also positively impacted their attitudes towards school and their understanding of physical science on the conceptual level.Item Competitive edge manufacturing : incorporation of Sun Tzu's The Art of War(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Engineering, 1998) Song, QianItem Price competition in the hard spring wheat market : a market specific analysis(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2002) Mastel, Michael Kenneth; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: David E. Buschena.Price competition between the United States and Canada in the hard spring wheat markets of Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia are examined using annual data over a thirty year period. A four-equation system of supply and demand functions is used to estimate parameters that measure the price relationship of U.S. and Canadian hard spring wheat in each market. The models were estimated with three stage least squares procedures. Besides the parameters measuring price movement of hard spring wheat in the South Korean and Indonesian markets, results are generally not statistically different from zero. Supply and demand equations in the Japanese market have common estimated parameters that are the correct sign and statistically significant. Econometric results of the Japanese market indicate that the United States and Canada are acting as noncolluding oligopolists. Comparing the mixed results of the South Korean and Indonesian markets with those of the Japanese market suggest that the United States and Canada are not competing as strongly in the Japanese market as they are in South Korea and Indonesia.