There were many challenges and successes throughout this process. It was challenging to find research based games that would support this topic and also keep my 5th grade students engaged in the classroom. It was also a challenge to differentiate for all types of learners in my classroom. It took a lot of preparation and research. However, this hard work paid off because all of my students improved in regards to number sense and fact fluency.

​

As a result of my action research, I was able to implement math games that were proven to enhance students' learning into my classroom. Playing these games for six weeks had an impact on my students' learning. Not only do they now have a better understanding of number sense and fact fluency, but they have also developed confidence in math class. This is something I did not see from my students at the beginning of they year.

​

My action research has impacted my  teaching and will forever impact my future teaching. It is so important to choose research based strategies, because they are proven to work. As a teacher when you choose research based strategies you are more likely to find a strategy that will enhance your students' learning. To go a long with this, it is important to use a variety of different data sources to drive your instruction and your strategies. Using your data will allow you to differentiate for your students and will also provide you with information on where you as a teacher should go next with your instruction.

​

Collaborating with veteran teachers and staff helped drive my decisions about what strategies I would choose for my students. It was beneficial to hear what they have done in the classroom that impacted their students' learning. ​Also, along with having veteran teachers share their experiences with me, I also shared my results of this study with them as well. Fact fluency and number sense is something that a lot of students struggle with, so sharing my experiences with my action research can help other teachers implement games into their classroom that can benefit their students.

​

Finally, in my future as an educator, I will take with me the benefits of using research based strategies in the classroom. I know that every class I teach will be different and have different needs, and also that no two students learn the same way. I will use informal and formal data to drive my instruction to make sure that I am meeting the needs of the diverse group of learners that I will serve.

​

​