EIU Graduate School

The Eastern Illinois University (EIU) Graduate School is proud to announce that Justin Bledsaw, a Spring 2024 graduate of the Curriculum & Instruction master’s program, has been awarded the Robert & Kathryn Augustine Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award for the 2024-2025 academic year.

This prestigious award, named in honor of former EIU Graduate School Dean Robert Augustine, Ph.D., and his wife Kathryn, an EIU College of Education alumna, recognizes the highest achievement in master’s-level research. Justin’s thesis, titled Investigating Prodigy Math Program to Improve Students’ Success in Mathematics, exemplifies innovation and excellence in educational research.

His study explored the effectiveness of Prodigy Math, an adaptive, game-based learning platform, in improving fifth-grade students' mathematics performance. The research addressed key questions, including the program’s overall impact on mathematics success and its specific benefits for diverse student groups, including special education students, varying ethnicities, and genders. Results demonstrated significant improvements in math skills across all groups, with participants expressing overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the program’s impact on their learning.

Dr. Sham’ah Md-Yunus, Justin’s thesis chair, described his research as meticulous and highly significant, noting its potential to inform educators and bridge achievement gaps in STEM education. The study was funded by the Student Impact Grant and has been presented at the EIU Research Conference and College of Education Research Fair, with submission pending for publication in the Journal of Mid-West Educational Research.

Justin is pursuing his second master’s degree in Principal Endorsement and aspires to continue his academic journey in a Ph.D. program. His dedication to research, education, and community involvement marks him as a rising leader in the field of education.