the power of quia cassandra roschen fairmont junior and senior high school 3/12/2010

The Power of QuiaThe Power of Quia

Cassandra RoschenCassandra RoschenFairmont Junior and Senior High Fairmont Junior and Senior High

SchoolSchool3/12/20103/12/2010

Instructional GoalsInstructional GoalsPurposePurpose

The purpose is to examine the effectiveness of The purpose is to examine the effectiveness of using the website Quia in classroom instruction.using the website Quia in classroom instruction.The ultimate question to be answered is, it is The ultimate question to be answered is, it is worth spending $49 for a Quia subscription?worth spending $49 for a Quia subscription?The question will be answered will be The question will be answered will be determined by comparing the test scores of determined by comparing the test scores of students in an American Government class who students in an American Government class who used the Quia website and those who did not. If used the Quia website and those who did not. If the scores of the class who used the website are the scores of the class who used the website are higher there will be obvious validity of paying for higher there will be obvious validity of paying for the sites services. the sites services.

Instructional GoalsInstructional GoalsPurposePurpose

I intend to have both groups meet the I intend to have both groups meet the following state standard through following state standard through instruction and using the Quia site:instruction and using the Quia site:

VII-B- The student will demonstrate VII-B- The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the knowledge and understanding of the principles upon with the US government principles upon with the US government are based.are based.

Instructional GoalsInstructional GoalsPredictionPrediction

I believe that students who use the Quia I believe that students who use the Quia website will have higher test scores than website will have higher test scores than the students who do not. the students who do not.

I believe this to be true because when I believe this to be true because when students are completing activities outside students are completing activities outside of class to reinforce content they are apt to of class to reinforce content they are apt to internalize it. internalize it.

Background for StudyBackground for StudyWhat is Quia?What is Quia?

Quia is an interactive website that let’s you:Quia is an interactive website that let’s you:– Create classes and track practice time and quiz Create classes and track practice time and quiz

results. results. – Create class Web pages for communicating with Create class Web pages for communicating with

students. students. – Maintain an online schedule and calendar. Maintain an online schedule and calendar. – Upload images, audio clips, documents, and Upload images, audio clips, documents, and

slideshows. slideshows. – Copy and modify any of Quia's more than three Copy and modify any of Quia's more than three

million activities to suit your own needs. million activities to suit your own needs. – Create a profile, and search for other instructors. Create a profile, and search for other instructors.

• Upon attending a Technology conference in Buffalo, Minnesota I learned about the supposed value of Quia. Practicing teachers gave testimonies about the success of using Quia in the classroom.

•Education World gives this site an A+ review because of it is easy to use, well organized, and provides many interactive games for students.

Background for StudyReview of Literature

Background for StudyBackground for StudyLiterature ReviewLiterature Review

• Xomreviews gives Quia a 6/10. This educational review site believes the fee is not worth what you get because the activities on the site can be created in other fashions free of charge.

Learning ContextLearning ContextClass Profile-Control GroupClass Profile-Control Group

Total Number of StudentsTotal Number of Students 2929

Age range:Age range: 14-1514-15

Gender:Gender: 14 Male14 Male15 Female15 Female

Ethnic Populations:Ethnic Populations: 2 Hispanic2 Hispanic27 White, non-Hispanic27 White, non-Hispanic

Students with Exceptionalities:Students with Exceptionalities: 1 ELL1 ELL1 Emotional or Behavioral Disorder1 Emotional or Behavioral Disorder3 Learning Disability3 Learning Disability5 ADHD5 ADHD1 Sensory Disability (visual, auditory)1 Sensory Disability (visual, auditory)

Achievement Levels:Achievement Levels: 5 Below Grade Level5 Below Grade Level21 At Grade Level21 At Grade Level3 Above Grade Level3 Above Grade Level

Learning ContextLearning ContextClass Profile-Variable GroupClass Profile-Variable Group

Total Number of StudentsTotal Number of Students 2828

Age range:Age range: 14-1514-15

Gender:Gender: 12 Male12 Male16 Female16 Female

Ethnic Populations:Ethnic Populations: 1 Hispanic1 Hispanic27 White, non-Hispanic27 White, non-Hispanic

Students with Exceptionalities:Students with Exceptionalities: 2 Emotional or Behavioral Disorder 3 2 Emotional or Behavioral Disorder 3 Learning DisabilityLearning Disability6 ADHD6 ADHD4 IEPs 4 IEPs

Achievement Levels:Achievement Levels: 6 Below Grade Level6 Below Grade Level21 At Grade Level21 At Grade Level1 Above1 Above

Learning ContextLearning ContextClassroom EnvironmentClassroom Environment

The classroom contains 29 desks for students The classroom contains 29 desks for students and two teacher desks. The teacher desks are and two teacher desks. The teacher desks are in the back of the room with the student desks in in the back of the room with the student desks in groups of four throughout the room.groups of four throughout the room.Space can be somewhat limiting but the Space can be somewhat limiting but the arrangement of desks facilitates partner and arrangement of desks facilitates partner and group work. Thus, not much movement is group work. Thus, not much movement is needed during class. needed during class. There are two whiteboards, one at the front and There are two whiteboards, one at the front and one on the left hand side of the room. one on the left hand side of the room. There is a mounted projector that can display There is a mounted projector that can display anything from the classroom computer or anything from the classroom computer or movies.movies.

Learning ContextLearning ContextThe School-Fairmont High SchoolThe School-Fairmont High School

The Fairmont High School population for grades 9-12 totals about The Fairmont High School population for grades 9-12 totals about 600 students. The high school offers a broad and strong curriculum 600 students. The high school offers a broad and strong curriculum for college-bound students. An integral part of the curriculum is the for college-bound students. An integral part of the curriculum is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program which is a world class International Baccalaureate (IB) program which is a world class curriculum for the academically talented and highly motivated curriculum for the academically talented and highly motivated student. Students involved in an IB class may test for college credit, student. Students involved in an IB class may test for college credit, but more importantly, enhance their educational experience. but more importantly, enhance their educational experience.

The vocational department offers diverse programs of excellence to The vocational department offers diverse programs of excellence to meet the needs of students attending Vocational/business School or meet the needs of students attending Vocational/business School or work after graduation. work after graduation.

Graduating classes have ranged from 155 to 180 over the past few Graduating classes have ranged from 155 to 180 over the past few years. Class sizes for academic classes range from 15 to 30. A years. Class sizes for academic classes range from 15 to 30. A staff of over 60 professional educators serve the needs of the staff of over 60 professional educators serve the needs of the students. students.

Learning ContextLearning ContextThe School-Fairmont High SchoolThe School-Fairmont High School

Virtually all of the 4 year college-bound students take the ACT Virtually all of the 4 year college-bound students take the ACT college admission test each year. Listed below are the Fairmont college admission test each year. Listed below are the Fairmont students ACT scores for the 1999-2000 school year for college-students ACT scores for the 1999-2000 school year for college-bound students who took the following curriculum:bound students who took the following curriculum:

English--4 years or moreEnglish--4 years or more

Mathematics--3 years or moreMathematics--3 years or more

Social Studies--3 years or moreSocial Studies--3 years or more

Natural Sciences--3 years or moreNatural Sciences--3 years or more

2002 Graduates Mean Scores 2002 Graduates Mean Scores – English 20.7English 20.7– Math 23.7Math 23.7– Reading 22.1Reading 22.1– Science Reasoning 22.9 Science Reasoning 22.9 – Composite 22.5Composite 22.5

Learning ContextLearning ContextThe DistrictThe District

The district consists of three different The district consists of three different schools:schools:– William Budd: K-2William Budd: K-2– Five Lakes Elementary: 3-6Five Lakes Elementary: 3-6– Fairmont Junior and Senior High SchoolFairmont Junior and Senior High School

Junior High: 7-8Junior High: 7-8

Senior High: 9-12Senior High: 9-12

Learning ContextLearning ContextThe DistrictThe District

The central mission of Fairmont Area Schools is student The central mission of Fairmont Area Schools is student learning: Inspired Learning for Life! learning: Inspired Learning for Life!

In order to better define this mission the district systematically In order to better define this mission the district systematically works to provide clear answers to the following fundamental works to provide clear answers to the following fundamental questions:questions:– What is it that we want all students to learn – by grade level, by course What is it that we want all students to learn – by grade level, by course

and by unit of instruction? and by unit of instruction?

– How will we know when each student has acquired the intended How will we know when each student has acquired the intended knowledge and skills? knowledge and skills?

– How will we respond when students experience initial difficulty so that How will we respond when students experience initial difficulty so that we can improve upon current levels of learning? we can improve upon current levels of learning?

– How will we respond when students have acquired knowledge and skills How will we respond when students have acquired knowledge and skills beyond the typical scope of the curriculum?beyond the typical scope of the curriculum?

Learning ContextLearning ContextThe CommunityThe Community

Fairmont is a community of approximately 12,000 Fairmont is a community of approximately 12,000 people, located in South Central Minnesota along people, located in South Central Minnesota along Interstate Highway 90. There is one elementary school, Interstate Highway 90. There is one elementary school, one intermediate school, one junior high, and one high one intermediate school, one junior high, and one high school in the school district with over 100 teachers on school in the school district with over 100 teachers on the staff serving the needs of over 1,800 students. the staff serving the needs of over 1,800 students.

Fairmont is surrounded by rich farmland and is a service Fairmont is surrounded by rich farmland and is a service center to many farmers. Located in Fairmont are several center to many farmers. Located in Fairmont are several nationally known industries. Fairmont serves as a retail nationally known industries. Fairmont serves as a retail center and a medical service area for many area center and a medical service area for many area communities.communities.

Learning ContextLearning ContextThe CommunityThe Community

The community is continually becoming more The community is continually becoming more culturally diverse, especially with an increasing culturally diverse, especially with an increasing Hispanic population. Hispanic population.

The community offers various assistance and The community offers various assistance and education program for its citizens. Two such education program for its citizens. Two such program are the Salvation Army which program are the Salvation Army which provides food and clothing for the needy and provides food and clothing for the needy and Community Education and Recreation which Community Education and Recreation which provides classes of special interest at a provides classes of special interest at a minimal cost. minimal cost.

Teaching Methodology

The unit was taught to each class in the same manner.

The difference-the control group did not have access to the Quia activity site but the variable group was required to complete the activities prior to taking the test. Completing the activities was given a grade of 8 points for completion.

Learning ContextLearning ContextUnit 1 Principles of GovernmentUnit 1 Principles of GovernmentLengthLength-1.5-2 weeks-1.5-2 weeksEssential QuestionsEssential Questions

– What is government?What is government?– What is an economy?What is an economy?– What types of governments and economic systems are used in the world today?What types of governments and economic systems are used in the world today?

StandardsStandards– VII-B:VII-B: The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles upon which the The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles upon which the

U.S.U.S. government is based. government is based. – BenchmarkBenchmark: Students will compare the philosophy, structure, and operations of governments of : Students will compare the philosophy, structure, and operations of governments of

other countries with the U.S. government. other countries with the U.S. government. SkillsSkills

– Group workGroup work– Creative thinkingCreative thinking– Creative writingCreative writing– Note takingNote taking– InferenceInference– Critical thinkingCritical thinking– WritingWriting– Hand-eye coordination Hand-eye coordination

Formative AssessmentsFormative Assessments– Purposes of Government BookPurposes of Government Book– Forms of Government WorksheetForms of Government Worksheet– Create a Government WorksheetCreate a Government Worksheet– FoldableFoldable

Summative AssessmentsSummative Assessments– Unit TestUnit Test

Learning Context ContinuedMaterials– Projector and screen, handouts, study guide, vocabulary foldable,

markers/crayons, computers, scissors, and newspaper articles.Strategies– Reading: Students will read handouts and the textbook as a class and

individually. – Class discussion: Students will participate in class discussion to ensure

learning comprehension of the content.– Micro Lectures: Short mini lectures will be given to introduce concepts.

PowerPoints will accompany these lectures to provide a visual component for students who learn through visuals.

– Group Work: Students will work in pairs or groups to help develop group cooperation skills and also enable the success of learning from each other or teaching one another.

– Concept Sketches: Students will create concept maps using words and sketches to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the content.

– Case Studies: Students will use Haiti as a case study to see the importance of the purposes of government. They will analyze Haiti’s government and apply their knowledge of the purposes by creating solutions to the problems in Haiti.

Learning Content Continued

Content Progression will be as follows1. Students will learn what a government is

and what it is supposed to do.

2. Students will learn the various forms of government found in the world today.

3. Students will learn the various types of economies used in the world today.

Teaching MethodologyTeaching Methodology

Students in the variable group will be required to Students in the variable group will be required to go onto the website, go onto the website, www.quia.com, to complete , to complete interactive games and quizzes about the content interactive games and quizzes about the content of the unit.of the unit.

These activities must be completed outside of These activities must be completed outside of class.class.

The teacher will write media center passes for The teacher will write media center passes for any students that need or want to complete the any students that need or want to complete the activities during the school day during a study activities during the school day during a study hall.hall.

Teaching MethodologyHow to use Quia…

Students were given the following instructions on how to access and use this the Quia site:– Go to www.quia.com– Click on Quia Web– Click on Student– Type in your username and password (was given to

the students by the teacher)– Click on the activity that you would like to do first:

Quiz, Forms of Government, Vocabulary Games, or Purpose of Government Matchup.

– Complete all the activities.– Have fun!

Teaching MethodologyHow to use Quia…

After students complete an activity the number of attempts, scores, and amount of time taken on each activity is stored under that students profile. The teacher can then look at the data in a chart or graph to see the students progress.

Below is an example of the results of a quiz from one student.

GradingPoints(of 8)

Score Time started Time completed Elapsed time

Completed 8 100% 2010/02/04 03:09:32 PM 2010/02/04 03:10:37 PM 00:01:05

Assessment MeasuresAssessment Measures

•Students completed a pre-quiz before the unit.

•This is the same quiz that appeared on the Quia website that the students had to take before taking the test.

•The quiz can be found on the following slide.

Assessment MeasuresAssessment MeasuresPre-Quiz (Correct Answers in Pre-Quiz (Correct Answers in RedRed))

What type of economy does the US have?What type of economy does the US have?– CommunistCommunist– SocialistSocialist– CapitalistCapitalist– NoneNone

All of the following are functions of a government EXCEPT:All of the following are functions of a government EXCEPT:– Providing servicesProviding services– Giving away money– Solving problemsSolving problems– Maintaining orderMaintaining order

In a republic where does power come from?In a republic where does power come from?– KingKing– Prime MinisterPrime Minister– CourtsCourts– The peopleThe people

What determines price in a capitalist country?What determines price in a capitalist country?– Supply and demandSupply and demand– The kingThe king– The mediaThe media– The governmentThe government

In a communist system who owns businesses?In a communist system who owns businesses?– The governmentThe government– The armyThe army– The wealthyThe wealthy– The peopleThe people

Government should do all of the following BUT:Government should do all of the following BUT:– Maintain orderMaintain order– Establish justiceEstablish justice– Control the pressControl the press– Provide servicesProvide services

Define laws:Define laws:– Another word for “republic”Another word for “republic”– Provide rules for a society Provide rules for a society

Define democracy:Define democracy:– Another word for “republic”Another word for “republic”– The people control the economyThe people control the economy

Assessment MeasuresAssessment MeasuresQuia QuizQuia Quiz

Each question on the Quia quiz and paper Each question on the Quia quiz and paper based quiz was worth one point. There based quiz was worth one point. There were eight questions thus equaling eight were eight questions thus equaling eight points. points.

The following slides show the results of The following slides show the results of the quiz of both the control group and the the quiz of both the control group and the variable group divided by boys and girls variable group divided by boys and girls and students with exceptionalities and and students with exceptionalities and mainstream students.mainstream students.

Assessment MeasuresAssessment MeasuresControl Group ResultsControl Group Results

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Quiz Results Pre-Intervention

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Assessment MeasuresAssessment MeasuresQuiz Results-Variable GroupQuiz Results-Variable Group

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Students with ExceptionalitiesMainstream Students

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Learning Results

When comparing the two classes, it is clear that students who used the Quia website scored higher on the final assessment; the unit test.

The following slides provide the numerical values and graphs to show the control and variable groups’ scores of the pre-test, test, and comparison of the two groups.

Learning ResultsLearning ResultsControl GroupControl Group

Control GroupControl Group– Pre-QuizPre-Quiz

Boys: 3.5Boys: 3.5

Girls: 4.1Girls: 4.1– Post-QuizPost-Quiz

Boys: 7.4Boys: 7.4

Girls: 8.3Girls: 8.3– Pre-QuizPre-Quiz

Students with Exceptionalities: 1.7Students with Exceptionalities: 1.7

Mainstream Students: 4.5Mainstream Students: 4.5– Post-QuizPost-Quiz


Mainstream Students:9.2Mainstream Students:9.2

Learning ResultsLearning ResultsVariable GroupVariable Group

Control GroupControl Group– Pre-QuizPre-Quiz

Boys: 3.7Boys: 3.7

Girls: 3.9Girls: 3.9– Post-QuizPost-Quiz

Boys: 9.1Boys: 9.1

Girls:9.6Girls:9.6– Pre-QuizPre-Quiz


Mainstream Students: 4.1Mainstream Students: 4.1– Post-QuizPost-Quiz


Mainstream Students:9.5Mainstream Students:9.5

Learning Results- Control Group

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Learning Results-Control GroupLearning Results-Control Group

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Learning Results-Variable GroupLearning Results-Variable Group

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Quiz Results Post-Intervention


Analysis and InterpretationAnalysis and Interpretation

When comparing the control and variable classes it When comparing the control and variable classes it is clear that the class which used the Quia website. is clear that the class which used the Quia website.

Both classes made significant improvements from Both classes made significant improvements from the pre-quiz to the post-quiz. However, those who the pre-quiz to the post-quiz. However, those who used the Quia site made more significant growth.used the Quia site made more significant growth.

This growth is especially seen within the students This growth is especially seen within the students with exceptionalities. These students demonstrated with exceptionalities. These students demonstrated a considerable increase of knowledge. The site a considerable increase of knowledge. The site allowed them to play games to reinforce the content allowed them to play games to reinforce the content and repeatedly test their comprehension through and repeatedly test their comprehension through quizzes. quizzes.

Analysis and InterpretationAnalysis and InterpretationAligning with district standardsAligning with district standards

The use of Quia aims at answering the following district The use of Quia aims at answering the following district questions:questions:– What is it that we want all students to learn – by grade level, by What is it that we want all students to learn – by grade level, by

course and by unit of instruction? course and by unit of instruction? – How will we know when each student has acquired the intended How will we know when each student has acquired the intended

knowledge and skills?knowledge and skills?

These questions are addressed through the use of the These questions are addressed through the use of the Quia site. The site asks students questions on all the Quia site. The site asks students questions on all the essential content which addresses the state standard essential content which addresses the state standard covered by the unit. We know the student has acquired covered by the unit. We know the student has acquired the knowledge because the Quia website shows us how the knowledge because the Quia website shows us how many questions each student answers correctly.many questions each student answers correctly.

Reflections and Recommendations• After this study I would have no hesitation recommending this program to any teacher. The amount of money it costs for the site may seem like a lot of money but, according to my results, it is worth it.

•However, it would be naive to say that the activities provided by Quia cannot be done by other websites free of charge. However, the organization and presentation of the activities and their results is unmatched by other sites.

•The site is an excellent supplement to classroom instruction and should not be used in lue of a lesson or classroom instruction.

•Students gave feedback about their thoughts on the site and said that they found it fun to use.

•The control group scored lower on the post test than the variable group. This is to be accounted for by the use of the Quia activities as this was the only difference in instruction between the two classes.

Reflections and RecommendationsReflections and Recommendations

Instructional Strength-I feel that the strategies and Instructional Strength-I feel that the strategies and methods I used to teach both classes were active methods I used to teach both classes were active and engaging. Students participated throughout the and engaging. Students participated throughout the unit and the progress of the students demonstrates unit and the progress of the students demonstrates this.this.

Instructional Weakness-I think I could have done a Instructional Weakness-I think I could have done a better job with communicating my expectations and better job with communicating my expectations and instructions for activities. I was pleased with all of instructions for activities. I was pleased with all of the work completed by the students but I believe the work completed by the students but I believe that I could have been clearer. This would have that I could have been clearer. This would have made more class time for learning. made more class time for learning.

Reflections and RecommendationsReflections and Recommendations

If I were to do this again I would include If I were to do this again I would include more quizzes on the Quia site for the more quizzes on the Quia site for the students to complete. There were only students to complete. There were only two different quizzes and I believe that two different quizzes and I believe that students would have benefited more if students would have benefited more if they had several different quizzes about they had several different quizzes about the same content.the same content.

References and AcknowledgmentsReferences and AcknowledgmentsA special thank you to Joe Strukel and the supportive Social Studies Department

and Fairmont Junior and Senior High School.

Bearson, Walter. Looking at Quia. 2005. Bearson, Walter. Looking at Quia. 2005. < <http://www.xomreviews.com/quia.com>.>.

Education World. Quia Site Review.

September, 1998.

<http://www.educationworld.com/awards/past/r0998-14.shtml>.

Fairmont School District. <www.fairmont.k12.mn.us>.

Quia Corporation. “Quia”. 1998. Quia Corporation. “Quia”. 1998.

<< www.quia.com>.>.

the power of quia cassandra roschen fairmont junior and senior high school 3/12/2010

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