Digital Commons Network^™

The Connection Between Pre-Literacy Development And Parent Use Of Strategies, Jhay-Lah Kennell

Honors Projects

The topic of this senior project is to research and develop strategies that parents of preschoolers can use to facilitate development of pre-literacy skills. The outcome will be a set of facilitation strategies embedded in a children's book focusing on phonological awareness skills. Additional, the book includes a method for training parents to use strategies to help their child(ren) develop skills regarding rhyming and blending. The book will be annotated with the specific parent coaching ideas. Overall, the children's book will include a developmentally appropriate storyline with underpinnings of the rhyming and blending skills of phonological awareness. The book will …

Peer Mentoring Programs For Students With Disabilities Attending Center-Based Schools, Andrea L. Vargo

Culminating Experience Projects

Due to the level of support needed to become successful, students with moderate to severe disabilities may be placed in a center-based program separate from their typically developed peers. In this placement, students with disabilities, who often have deficits in the areas of communication and social interaction, have little to no access to their peers without disabilities. Therefore, developing and implementing a program that encourages both access to same-age peers and opportunities to improve social interaction skills would be ideal. One of the best ways to provide strategies for these opportunities is through peer-mediated instruction, specifically peer mentorship. The goals …

Dangerous Associations: Racializing Urban Communities And The Influence Of One Critical Service-Learning Course To Disrupt Racist Ideological Habits, T.J. Stockton

Peer Reviewed Articles

This study examined pre-service teachers’ initial perceptions of urban communities and schools. Furthermore, it explored whether engaging in critical service-learning coursework incorporating an anti-racist curriculum disrupted the mechanisms that perpetuate racist ideological habits and associations. The narrative analysis deconstructed 12 participants’ reflective essays using a critical race theoretical lens. The overall findings revealed that the participants experience urban communities through racist associations and ideologies promoting white supremacist thinking. The critical service-learning course did influence the perceptions of the participants. However, findings suggest that a single critical service-learning course is insufficient to prepare pre-service teachers with the anti-racist pedagogies necessary for …

Using A Ternion Of Michigan’S Resources To Support A Symbiotic Family/School Partnership, Darreth R. Rice

Michigan Reading Journal

The author used three recent policy related resources (Literacy Essential #10, MiFamily Framework, and Read at Home and parent workshops through Read By Grade Three) in Michigan to connect scholarly literature to classroom practice. In this article, the author provides suggestions for using these resources to foster a solid partnership between teachers and families.

Lift Every (Student) Voice With The Essential Instructional Practices For Disciplinary Literacy, Jenelle Williams, Laura Gabrion

Michigan Reading Journal

In this article, the authors make the case for re-engaging students in learning during the 2021-2022 school year by prioritizing social emotional learning and whole child principles, along with student voice and discourse. The Essential Instructional Practices for Disciplinary Literacy in the Secondary Classroom: Grades 6 to 12 are one tool to define instructional practices that align to these efforts.

Building Bridges: Culturally Relevant Teaching With Literature Circles And Multicultural Literature, Amber Lawson

Michigan Reading Journal

In this article, the author suggests that teachers can create culturally relevant learning experiences by creating a diverse classroom library, using culturally diverse literature for their read-alouds, and adding literature circles as a routine for literacy instruction. Literature circles around diverse books offer students opportunities to discuss texts and expand their meaning-making and comprehension skills. The article provides readers with a guide, resources, and education research in doing so effectively to support culturally diverse learners’ literacy development through meaningful and authentic approaches.

Missing Pieces And Voices: Steps For Teachers To Engage In Science Of Reading Policy And Practice, Kathleen S. Howe, Teddy D. Roop

Michigan Reading Journal

The current wave of dyslexia legislation backed by the science of reading is the latest literacy policy added to a decades-long list. Teachers, whose voices were largely excluded, are key stakeholders in any literacy policy initiative and are well-suited to inform policymakers about the complexities of teaching readers who struggle, including those diagnosed with dyslexia. This article previews the implications of legislation that narrowly focuses on “science” and disregards unique individual reader profiles. This article encourages teachers to get involved with policy that impacts their practices and provides suggestions to ensure their voices are included in this and future initiatives.

Bounding Our Liberation Together: Toward Pedagogies Of Coalitional Liberation, Rae L. Oviatt, Stephanie F. Reid

Michigan Reading Journal

This article draws on the long history of movement building, culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies, and abolitionist solidarity in presenting a way to bridge ELA standards and humanizing curriculum. The authors’ present their vision of pedagogies for coalitional liberation through five actionable and manageable tenets of practice. These tenets have been formulated to guide teachers in designing their own units or lessons. Each tenet is described in detail and accompanied by classroom examples from a critical qualitative research inquiry that foregrounds one pre-service teacher’s intentional curriculum co-design. The examples show how teachers can move with their students moving from theory …

Expanding Vocabulary With Children's Books, Sara J. Churchill, Kathleen Everts Danielson

Michigan Reading Journal

This article will briefly examine why it is important to explicitly teach vocabulary and review some of the best practices in vocabulary instruction, including three prominent strategies for teaching vocabulary: read alouds, developing word consciousness, and interactive activities. Following that is an annotated bibliography of children’s picture books that highlights selections that are useful for teaching vocabulary. Summaries of the texts and instructional suggestions are provided.

Being The Curriculum, Alyssa Hillary Zisk

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This article is a work of creative non-fiction. Part of the work is my reflections on one systemically awkward experience of introducing my neurodivergence, autism, to my classmates in my graduate program in neuroscience. Part of the work engages with theory and neuroscientific/cognitive findings that I either shared during the presentation or encountered since but would have been relevant to the experience. The two parts are intertwined, because life isn't neatly separable.

Ableist Ideologies Stifle Neurodiversity And Hinder Inclusive Education, Marie Adrienne R. Manalili

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This paper makes the case that ableist ideologies hinder trends towards inclusion on a broader global scale and beyond Anglo-American standpoints, as evidenced by key literature and legislations on inclusive education. I also discuss the issues, challenges, and dilemmas generated by these ableist ideologies in my professional context as an autistic speech-language therapist from the Philippines. I conclude with my reflection on how practitioners can help change the trajectory towards emancipatory inclusive practices that are informed by the neurodiversity paradigm. To respect the preference of the communities and the intersection of identities I represent, this paper uses inclusive identity-first language …

Effects Of Nature Play In Early Childhood Education, Alicia Joy Chaney

Culminating Experience Projects

There has been much research conducted recently on outdoor education as it gains popularity. Nature play and the construction of playscapes instead of playgrounds has become focal at the early childhood level. This project examines the research on the benefits that nature-based outdoor play provides to children and the outcomes of play space makeovers. The research also examines the role that teachers have in providing children with nature play. Western Michigan is lacking in nature-based early childhood education programs. This project focuses on providing professional development to licensed childcare programs in Michigan, specifically family and group home daycares. The professional …

University Libraries Faculty Assembly - Racism Impact Statement & Dean's Response, Maya Hobscheid, Samantha Minnis, Annie Bélanger

Library Reports and Communication

Racism and white supremacy culture have a profound impact on nonwhite faculty in higher education and throughout the tenure and promotion process. This document is intended to acknowledge the impact of racism on the tenure and promotion process in general as well as in our specific context of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Libraries. It is not intended to be comprehensive of everyone’s lived experiences or of the effects of racism on all.

English-For-Teaching In Higher Education: Discourse Functions And Language Exemplars, Eun-Young Julia Kim

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

Increasingly more colleges and universities in non-English speaking countries are requiring instructors to teach in English. Although existing research addresses various issues related to using English as a medium of instruction in higher education, few studies have specifically addressed how to provide language scaffolding to college instructors who are asked to teach their subjects in English for the first time. The study builds on Freeman et al.’s (2015) discourse functions for English-for-teaching and presents a refined functional framework to suit college-level classes. It provides authentic language samples to help instructors prepare to teach in English based on the analysis of …

Trauma-Informed Care: An Elementary Perspective, Alexandria Hutchison

Culminating Experience Projects

Trauma affects a significant portion of the elementary student population and hinders students' academic achievement, social wellbeing, and emotional health. In fact, almost forty percent of students in the United States have been exposed to a traumatic stressor in their lives (Brunzell et al., 2016). There are numerous effects associated with trauma. Teachers serve as the first line of mental health professionals to support these children; therefore, it is essential that they receive proper preparation in trauma-informed care and classroom sup- ports. This project includes an in-service training program for elementary teachers and a set of classroom lessons that support …

Gender Bias In The Classroom: An In-Service To Create Change, David Schmidt

Culminating Experience Projects

Female students are not often treated the same way as male students in the elementary classroom. Teachers bring their gender bias into their daily practices and unknowingly encourage male student towards STEM subjects and female students away from STEM subjects. This results in a gender gap in STEM careers. This project aims to combat gender bias by holding an in-service. Research supports the idea that once bias has been addressed in individuals, they are less likely to hold on to their bias. Participants will take a test to discover their bias, be presented with relevant research, read an article on …

Modern Languages, Modern Learning: Tandem Language Programs In K-12 Education, Sarah Cremin

Honors Projects

The following essay will discuss research on the benefits and drawbacks of implementing intercultural exchange by means of Tandem language learning programs in K-12 Schools. One promising outlet to foster global communication and internationalization of learning is Tandem language learning. Authors María Vassallo and João A. Telles share the following definition: "Foreign language learning in-tandem involves pairs of (native or competent) speakers whose aim is to learn each other's language by means of bilingual conversation sessions." The focus of this research is to evaluate the appeal, effectiveness, utility, and reliability of these online programs in the context of today's classrooms.

Culturally Responsive Classroom Libraries In Middle School And High School English Language Arts Classrooms, Brandy Coleman

Culminating Experience Projects

Research shows that the cultural makeup of students in classrooms today in the United States has changed from classrooms of the past. These changes demand teachers to create classroom libraries that are culturally responsive. Culturally responsive classroom libraries can increase student engagement, shape students’ reading identities, and provide opportunities for students to create meaning with a text. This project examines what research literature has studied regarding how culturally responsive pedagogy impacts student identities, engagement through choice, books as window, mirrors, and sliding glass doors (Bishop, 1990), and instructional practices. Using reader response theory, the project focuses on tools to identify …

Negative Impacts Of Mandatory Standardized Testing On Teachers And Students, Nicole Stefanko

Culminating Experience Projects

Mandatory standardized testing was implemented in the United States to hold schools and teachers accountable for students’ growth; however, testing has negatively impacted both teachers and students in the classroom. There is currently not enough research on the benefits to testing and whether there are more effective ways to hold schools and teachers accountable. It is important to further research the effects of heavy test preparation that is done in classrooms as well as how students’ test results can be an inaccurate representation of their abilities. This project explores the negative impacts of standardized testing as well as providing a …

Creating A Safe And Supportive School Climate For Transgender Students, Taylor Dewilde

Culminating Experience Projects

Research has shown that transgender students do not feel safe at school and as a result experience negative outcomes. An effective teacher training program on transgender students will help these students feel a greater sense of safety at school. Additionally, this project will explore inclusive curricular resources for educators. The research reviewed for this project includes the key findings for why transgender students feel unsafe that included bullying & harassment, untrained and unprepared staff, and unsafe spaces in school. It is imperative for transgender students to feel safe at school so they may have the same opportunities for success in …

Standardized Testing And The Call For Alternative Assessment Methods, Rebekah Weiss

Culminating Experience Projects

Standardized testing has become the primary means of measuring success of students, educational stakeholders, and educational entities themselves, in turn permeating a practice of subsidiarity while further segregating educational opportunities for the American public. The research suggests this gap in practice is due to federal mandates enforcing standardized testing policies that hinder educational leaders from assessing students in more reliable ways. The experimental qualities of the research also contribute to this gap because the educational research holds a lack of generalizability and weak external validity due to subject and researcher bias’. This practice in subsidiarity could be addressed by taking …

Improving Literacy Homework In The Primary Grades Through Interactive Family Reading, Lisa Mulder

Culminating Experience Projects

Homework is common practice in most elementary school classrooms as teachers try to reinforce material learned in class through the help of parents and families at home. However, research has shown homework to have little impact on students’ academic achievement in the elementary grades. Homework can even cause an increased stress level in young students, a negative impact on motivation, and friction with family members. Elementary parents and teachers need to reevaluate homework’s effectiveness and its impact on today’s busy families.

This project proposes reframing traditional paper-pencil review homework in favor of family-centered reading time. When students are given too …

Differentiating Instruction Through One-On-One Literacy Conferences, Rebecca Sue Klenk

Culminating Experience Projects

Today's classroom has a wide range of diversity. To meet these needs, students need individualized instruction. Many classrooms today still present instruction through whole-group. However, research has found this does not benefit students the way differentiated instruction can. Differentiated instruction has two significant misunderstandings. One, teachers see it as they must provide different lessons plans for each student's needs. Secondly, teachers think differentiated instruction is only needed for students working below proficiency. However, with the use of one-on-one reading conferences, teachers can meet all their students' diverse needs and provide differentiated instruction.

Conferring is tailoring instruction to meet students' strengths …

An Examination Of The Role Of Total Instructional Alignment And The Impact On Teacher Confidence And Student Success, Catherine Cushway

Culminating Experience Projects

Research has revealed alignment in curriculum and expectations is beneficial to all stakeholders within an educational system. Recent projects have focused on the alignment of standards and curriculum but districts, including Coopersville Area Public Schools, have neglected to put together a strategic plan for total instructional alignment hence seeing adverse effects in both teacher confidence and student success. Total instructional alignment can be reinforced through vertical teaming, professional development, and the use of common language for behavior and academic expectations.

This project explores the importance of total instructional alignment and challenges districts to implement this alignment. This project provides a …

“Does Your Arm Hurt?” A Content Analysis Of Upper Limb Differences In Children's Books, Amber Meyer, Vince Genareo

Michigan Reading Journal

Approximately 1,500 children are born with upper limb differences (ULDs) each year in the United States. Recently, public media attention has brought a greater awareness of individuals with upper limb differences (ULDs), but educational research on the PreK-12 experiences, available curricular materials, and effective educational strategies are lacking for this group of people. Researchers in this study identified and performed a content analysis of 24 children’s books with characters with ULDs. Findings indicated more of these books were being published recently, that they represented a number of genres, and were largely informative about experiences of people with ULDs. Most were …

Policies, Practices, Places, And People: How Elementary Preservice Teachers Learned Literacy Teaching, Chad H. Waldron

Michigan Reading Journal

This article features cases of how elementary education preservice teachers made sense of teaching literacy. Their contexts for teaching varied in policies, curricula, and demands for their literacy teaching, shaped their learning and understanding of literacy instruction and assessment as beginning teachers. The research featured in this article pushes upon conceptualizations of "good" literacy teaching and how mentor teachers serve a critical role in preparing the next generation of elementary literacy teachers. Recommendations are made on how to best support elementary preservice teachers in literacy instruction and assessment.

Teaching Students To Comprehend Cause And Effect Text Structure, Jennifer A. Knight, Angela R. Child

Michigan Reading Journal

Teaching students text structure in expository text is important for comprehension. Text structure is complex and varies depending on the author’s focus. Cause and effect is one of the more difficult text structures for students to read and understand. This article demonstrates how to explain and teach cause and effect text structure for deep analysis and summarization of expository text.

Connecting The Dots Between Academic And Social-Emotional Learning With Literacy, Allison Phillippe

Michigan Reading Journal

This article emphasizes the importance of supporting Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with literacy instruction, which could benefit both the academic and emotional success of students in your classroom. Currently in education there is a growing rate of students who have experienced trauma and could greatly benefit from SEL (Price & Ellis, 2018). The ability to incorporate SEL into current literacy instruction can help ensure we are meeting the individual needs of each student. This article will begin by defining SEL and explain its growing importance in education today. Then, it will discuss how social-emotional and academic learning are connected. Finally, …

The Impact Of Attending Second Language Teaching Conferences, Jay Tanaka, María Díez-Ortega

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

Attending a second language (L2) teaching conference is assumed to have a positive impact on teaching practice. Currently, however, there are very few studies that examine empirical evidence of such impacts. Given the substantial cost and effort involved in attending a conference, it is important to clarify the nature of conference impacts, so that both language teachers and conference administrators can reflect on how to best generate meaningful improvements in L2 teaching. Questionnaire and interview data were used to examine L2 teaching conference attendees’ perceived impacts on their teaching practice and beliefs. Results reveal generally positive impacts, in the form …

A New Trend In Pronunciation Teaching, Nguyet Nguyen

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

English pronunciation training helps learners speak more clearly and communicate more smoothly. Online pronunciation learning, which helps connect teachers and students from all parts of the world, has been well-supported by the rapid development of technology. However, teachers need to apply appropriate pedagogical methods to ensure the effectiveness of online pronunciation instruction. This paper overviews specific strategies which could be employed for teaching English pronunciation in a video-based virtual classroom.