WGU D180 TASK 1: IDENTIFYING A RESEARCH TOPIC |
ACCURATE AND VERIFIED | UPDATE 2026
Carla Littleton
D180 Educational Research
Task 1: Identifying A Research Topic
Capstone Research Proposal
Topic for Proposed Research
My proposed capstone research focuses on the integration of
differentiated instruction strategies within high school science classrooms.
This subject is closely related to curriculum and instruction, as it
emphasizes creating and applying teaching methods that accommodate a
variety of learners. Differentiated instruction is fundamental to effective
, curriculum development, enabling teachers to customize their approaches
to address the diverse needs, skills, and interests of their students.
This research is essential for the field as it aims to close the gaps in
student performance, especially in science education. Tomlinson (2014)
asserts that differentiated instruction promotes inclusivity, ensuring that
every student, regardless of their learning style, can access and participate
in the curriculum. Furthermore, Heacox (2017) indicates that the
integration of differentiation into teaching practices leads to notable
improvements in academic success and classroom engagement.
Problem Statement
My research tackles the challenge of inadequate differentiated
instruction in high school science classes. This shortcoming affects student
academic success, as numerous learners struggle to relate to lessons that
do not cater to their unique needs. The underlying issue stems from a lack
of tailored instructional practices, which leaves some students unable to
thrive in a traditional classroom setting.
Type of Research
The study will be conducted as an action research project focused on
an instructional intervention. This approach is ideal as it facilitates the
immediate application and evaluation of differentiated instruction
techniques within actual classroom environments. Action research
prioritizes practical solutions to recognized challenges, making it
particularly effective for tackling the issues highlighted in the problem
statement. Through this research method, I will assess the effects of
targeted interventions on student performance while continuously
improving the strategies based on observed results.
Research Question
The research question guiding this study is:
How might the use of small groups to support difierentiated instruction
impact student academic performance in science?
ACCURATE AND VERIFIED | UPDATE 2026
Carla Littleton
D180 Educational Research
Task 1: Identifying A Research Topic
Capstone Research Proposal
Topic for Proposed Research
My proposed capstone research focuses on the integration of
differentiated instruction strategies within high school science classrooms.
This subject is closely related to curriculum and instruction, as it
emphasizes creating and applying teaching methods that accommodate a
variety of learners. Differentiated instruction is fundamental to effective
, curriculum development, enabling teachers to customize their approaches
to address the diverse needs, skills, and interests of their students.
This research is essential for the field as it aims to close the gaps in
student performance, especially in science education. Tomlinson (2014)
asserts that differentiated instruction promotes inclusivity, ensuring that
every student, regardless of their learning style, can access and participate
in the curriculum. Furthermore, Heacox (2017) indicates that the
integration of differentiation into teaching practices leads to notable
improvements in academic success and classroom engagement.
Problem Statement
My research tackles the challenge of inadequate differentiated
instruction in high school science classes. This shortcoming affects student
academic success, as numerous learners struggle to relate to lessons that
do not cater to their unique needs. The underlying issue stems from a lack
of tailored instructional practices, which leaves some students unable to
thrive in a traditional classroom setting.
Type of Research
The study will be conducted as an action research project focused on
an instructional intervention. This approach is ideal as it facilitates the
immediate application and evaluation of differentiated instruction
techniques within actual classroom environments. Action research
prioritizes practical solutions to recognized challenges, making it
particularly effective for tackling the issues highlighted in the problem
statement. Through this research method, I will assess the effects of
targeted interventions on student performance while continuously
improving the strategies based on observed results.
Research Question
The research question guiding this study is:
How might the use of small groups to support difierentiated instruction
impact student academic performance in science?
