I. Title of Study

Exploring the Impact of Digital Goal-Setting on Middle School Students’ Motivation and Academic Performance 

II. Purpose of the Study

The purpose of my study is to evaluate whether and how giving students ownership of their learning goals influences academic growth and classroom behavior.

III. Research Question

How does goal-setting through a digital platform impact middle school students’ academic motivation and performance?

This question is designed to be specific, measurable, and aligned with my classroom context (Mertler, 2019).

IV. Innovation Plan Overview

My innovation plan, developed in EDLD 5305, centers on implementing a digital platform that allows students to:

• Set weekly academic and behavioral goals

• Track progress using visual dashboards

• Reflect on their learning journey

• Receive feedback from teachers and peers

This plan has been refined through feedback and research in my other coursework.

V. Literature Review Focus

My literature review will explore:

• The impact of student goal-setting on motivation and achievement

• The role of digital tools in promoting student agency

• The effectiveness of lead and lag measures (McChesney, Covey, & Huling, 2012)

• The use of vital behaviors from the Influencer model (Grenny et al., 2013) to drive change

VI. Data Collection Methods

I will collect both quantitative and qualitative data:

• Pre- and post-surveys on student motivation

• Academic performance data (grades, assessments)

• Student reflections and journal entries

• Teacher observations

• Engagement metrics from the digital platform

VII. Lead and Lag Measures (4DX Framework)

• Lead Measures: Number of goals set, frequency of platform use, student participation in reflections

• Lag Measures: Changes in academic performance, motivation survey results, behavioral improvements

VIII. Timeline

• Weeks I–II: Finalize research plan and conduct reconnaissance

• Weeks III–V: Implement digital goal-setting platform and begin data collection

• Weeks VI–VII: Analyze data and reflect on findings

• Week VIII: Present results and submit final action research report

IX. Broader Perspective

This study contributes to a larger conversation about student agency, digital learning, and instructional innovation. I aim to model reflective practice and empower other educators to use action research as a tool for transformation (Mertler, 2019).

📚 References

Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The new science of leading change (2nd ed.).

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     McGraw-Hill Education.

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McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 disciplines of execution: Achieving your wildly important goals. Free Press.

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Mertler, C. A. (2019). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (6th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.