Date of Award
10-1-2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Barbara Weshcke, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Maggie Broderick, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Dennette Foy, Ed.D.
Abstract
The development of specific habits and skills is critical to students’ academic success. Costa and Kallick (2008, 2009) created a framework of these habits over their 25 yearslong collaboration called habits of mind. In this framework, Costa and Kallick detail the habits that students need to develop to be successful in school and beyond. An action research study was conducted to determine the influence of gamified learning practices to help students develop habits of mind in elementary students. The study participants were elementary teachers from upper elementary school in a large, suburban school district. Over eight weeks, five participants spiraled through three cycles of action research using Stringer’s (2014) protocol of look, think, act. Using observations, reflection journal, and focus group interviews, data participants explored a connection between specific gamified learning practices and increased development of habits of mind. The results of the study found that the gamified learning practices of avatars, points, leaderboards, and levels helped students develop habits of mind. Specifically, this study and its participants noted a change in habits—such as managing impulsivity, persistence, responding with wonderment and awe, and striving for accuracy—more frequently and with more significant discussion.