How to Write A Problem Statement
As part of the requirements for my Methods of Inquiry course, we are required to create a Dissertation Blog .
I don’t know how to sort my blog posts by topic, so my large fan base will have to do that on their own! Jokes. I know I’m the only one reading and writing on here. ;-D
For our first blog, we must post our problem statement, along with some evidence to support the existence of our problem.
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So from my readings, this is what I’ve gathered about the Problem Statement… it needs to be pretty concise (thank the heavens).
List your general, broad based, overarching Topic
Like is it Reading, Math Fact Fluency, ESL, Immigration, Dropouts, Transgender Students, etc.
The Problem must be stated in declarative form.
You know how it bothers the heck out of you (well, mostly me) when people answer a question with a question? Yeah, well, don’t do that here. Kind of answer the problem you are trying to fix with this research in a dry format.
Well for me, the problem is that in the last 30 or so years, we still haven’t gotten a handle on this reading thing. The highest scores for 12th graders was in 1992, totally unacceptable. That’s when my oldest hatched, and that was a whopping 58% proficiency! What the heck is going on??? Forget about Making America Great, let’s try to Make Americans Read Again! Geez
1st Try
Topic: Reading Fluency
Problem Statement: The reading proficiency scores have been declining over the years. Yet we have increased in the amount and types of educational assisting programs and software. The last 30 years have left us with an average reading proficiency of 55% for KG to 12th grade students; Still an F. If a student can’t read by the third grade, then more than likely all is lost.
Some Evidence:
Comments received were ‘make it more academic’ and less conversational.
2nd Try
Topic: Reading Fluency
Problem Statement: Reading Proficiency scores have been below average for over 30 years. American students were reading their best in 1992, with 58% being at or above grade level. Studies show that if a student is not a proficient reader by the third grade, their chances of dropping out increase four times.
Comments received were ‘add citations to the 1992’
3rd Try
Topic: Reading Fluency
Problem Statement: Reading Proficiency scores have been below average for over 30 years. American students were reading their best in 1992, with 58% being at or above grade level (National Center for Education Statistics, May 2020). Studies show that if a student is not a proficient reader by the third grade, their chances of dropping out increase four times.