Introduction

Example A

Para. 1

Introduction

As teachers, we are constantly struggling to get our students

to focus their attention during class time; some of us end up

repeating very short and simple instructions frequently, thus

losing precious time for learning. When talking to other

mothers and teachers, we find this “attention” problem …

We have decided to focus our research study on the

following question: What are some strategies and techniques

teachers can use to help young students (ages 5-7) with

attention difficulties to improve their attention span during

class time?

Hook

Background

Research Question

Para. 2

The goal of this action research study is to find ways to

help K5 children that tend to distract easily during class.

This study will concentrate on K5 children (whose ages

range between 5 and 7 years) that have attention difficulties

that consequently .... Carpet time (or rug time, mat time,

group time, etc.) is a special time when the teacher and the

students all gather … For example, …Overall, carpet time is

not only important for learning academic skills, but it

provides the appropriate environment to foster emotional

and social skills as well.

Area of Focus

Background

Para. 3 There are several different variables that can shed some light on why a child may present attention difficulties inside the classroom; specifically, this study will focus on six critical factors relating to the subject of attention. Some studies analyzed the role of a child’s attention span relative to the developmental stage a child is in. Other studies focused on motivation and the effects of incorporating students’ interests into the curriculum. Moreover, some studies looked at the importance of differentiation in the classroom. Yet others explored the role of effective instruction as well as behavior management. Lastly, another group of studies analyzed effective strategies that teachers can use in order to maximize on-task behavior and student learning. However, before talking about the above mentioned variables, it is important to understand what an attention problem means in the life of a student.

Hook

Variables

Connect to next

section (definition)

Conclusion

Example A

Example A- ConclusionConclusion

Carpet time is not only important for learning academic skills, but it provides the appropriate environment to foster emotional and social skills as well. As teachers, it is our responsibility to manage our own classrooms and this includes attending to the particular needs of our students. Teachers can enhance student engagement by making learning meaningful. The goal of this research study was to find ways in which teachers can maximize their students’ learning during instruction time, specifically during carpet time. Most important, teachers need to always take into account the developmental age of their students. Effective strategies that can be implemented to improve students’ attention span during class time are: motivation and including interests of students into the curriculum, differentiation, and effective instruction and behavior management.

Review

Area of Focus

Summary of Variables

Introduction

Example B

Para. 1Introduction

Nature gives to the human beings two ears and just one mouth with

the purpose to teach us that it is more important to listen than

speak. People always show us different kinds of strategies to be an

excellent speaker, but never show us the art of listening. This skill ....

However, when the skill is limited, the misunderstanding can bring a

lot of problems. … In the area of acquiring a second language,

listening skills are a challenge because… Therefore, it is important

for teachers to apply strategies in order to help students overcome

certain weaknesses. Due to the troubles caused by the undeveloped

listening skills, I want to learn more about how teachers can help

develop students’ listening skills.

Hook

Area of Focus

Background

Para. 2

This review of literature documents and supports the findings

of studies about listening skills. This literature review is divided

into five areas in which some studies analyze the different kinds

of strategies that can help develop listening skills. In the same

way, other studies focus on the factors that can affect listening

skills development. Yet, others look at the importance of

technology in listening skills acquisition and development.

Furthermore, others show that specific training in listening skills

helps to improve listening skills. Lastly, other studies demonstrate

how listening strategies can affect the performance of other

activities.

Variables

Conclusion

Example B

Para. 2

Listening skills is a topic that has not been investigated deeply. The first studies presented analyzed the different kinds of strategies that can help develop listening skills. These strategies are important because… The next variable focused on the factors that can affect listening skills development. Recognizing all these factors can help the teacher avoid possible problems in the future. Other studies looked at the importance of technology in listening skills acquisition and development. When technology is applied in the development and improvement of these skills, the results should be efficient and effective. The next variable showed that specific listening skills training helps to improve listening skills. Based on the review of others’ research studies, I have decided to study how teachers can help students with their listening skills acquisition and development.

Variables

Connect to Area of Focus