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Pushing Past The Plateau: A Diary Study Of A Not Quite Intermediate Korean Language Learner, Jonathan D. Wilson
Pushing Past The Plateau: A Diary Study Of A Not Quite Intermediate Korean Language Learner, Jonathan D. Wilson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
In this study the author explores the internal and personal aspects of his own learning of the Korean language through the qualitative perspective of a language learning diary. Language fossilization is brought into focus as the author resumes learning the language after a three year break and attempts to push past his perceived plateau. Fossilization is a foundational concept in the field of adult Second Language Acquisition (SLA), yet seemingly none have covered this issue using the diary study design and the unique, inside perspective that this design offers. The author developed his own study plan and recorded regular introspective …
Somali Stories: A Development Of A Story-Based Esl Literacy Tool For Use With Older Adult Somali Women, Susan Renee Marshall
Somali Stories: A Development Of A Story-Based Esl Literacy Tool For Use With Older Adult Somali Women, Susan Renee Marshall
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The focus of this study is on incorporating what was learned through research to develop a curriculum resource. The primary research question addressed in this project is how educators can incorporate stories from older adult Somali women into English language instruction to improve these students’ English language writing skills. Key influences include my experience as an ESL educator and my strong interest in stories, including their use in education. The study has a curriculum development design. A curriculum resource, in the form of a story-based literacy tool designed to teach English language literacy skills to older Somali women, was developed. …
When And Why Do Native English Speaking Students In A Spanish Immersion Setting Switch Into English During Math Instruction?, Samantha Marie Judith Holland
When And Why Do Native English Speaking Students In A Spanish Immersion Setting Switch Into English During Math Instruction?, Samantha Marie Judith Holland
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This study addressed when and why do native English speakers in a Spanish immersion switch into English during math instruction? This capstone studied 30 students in a Spanish immersion school in an affluent suburban area in the Upper Midwest. The author used literature from other types of immersion schools to highlight the lack of research on native English speakers in immersion settings. This capstone used audio- recordings, questionnaires and open-ended interviews to research the question. The researcher concludes that teaching Spanish vernacular in the immersion model would decrease the amount of English in the math classroom and that language objectives …
Teacher And Student Perceptions Of Dyned Multimedia Courseware: An Evaluation Of Call In An American Technical College, Gail Katherine Ellsworth
Teacher And Student Perceptions Of Dyned Multimedia Courseware: An Evaluation Of Call In An American Technical College, Gail Katherine Ellsworth
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This study examines the perceptions of teachers and students using the DynEd Multimedia Courseware in adult ESL workshops in an American technical college setting. The goals of the study were to determine (a) the teachers’ perceptions of their training to facilitate DynEd, (b) the teachers’ and students’ perceptions of the facilitators’ role in supporting students, and (c) the teachers’ and students’ perceptions of DynEd’s appropriateness for adult learners at our institution. Data from questionnaires and focus group interviews were analyzed using Chapelle’s (2001) Criteria for CALL Task Appropriateness as the conceptual framework. Findings suggest that both teachers and students need …
Critical Literacy For Linguistically Diverse Students, Jennifer Ann King
Critical Literacy For Linguistically Diverse Students, Jennifer Ann King
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this capstone is how can a critical literacy unit on exploring identity enable secondary ELLs to find voice and take action? It documents the creation of a twelve lesson unit organized around three target texts and one digital storytelling project. These lessons blend the components of the SIOP Model for effective instruction of English learners (Echevarría, Short, and Vogt, 2013) with activities to promote critical literacy. Additionally, the author documents the relevant research used in the creation of the curriculum along with the successes and challenges of the curriculum development process. In reflecting on the …
Listening Strategies For English Language Learner Comprehension, A Teacher Resource Guide, Ana Marie Ruiz Mclafferty
Listening Strategies For English Language Learner Comprehension, A Teacher Resource Guide, Ana Marie Ruiz Mclafferty
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This capstone examines listening strategies for English Language Learners in grades 3-5 and includes a teacher resource guide to help support students in the listening language domain. There are very few resources for elementary teachers to support students in listening comprehension strategies. The teacher resource guide includes think-aloud, focus questions, journaling and interactive listening strategies. Lesson templates and examples are included.
Student Self-Regulated Learning Through Use Of The Linguafolio® Online In A Beginning Middle School El Class, Melissa Rose Davey
Student Self-Regulated Learning Through Use Of The Linguafolio® Online In A Beginning Middle School El Class, Melissa Rose Davey
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative mixed methods case study explores how LinguaFolio® Online is an appropriate strategy for increasing self-regulated learning in a beginning ESL class. Five participants in a middle school beginning ESL class used LinguaFolio® Online over eight weeks in order to report on learning and submit evidence exemplars. All participants used LinguaFolio® Online for various user interactions concerning self-regulation and self-assessment. Participants completed a pre- and post-survey so that perceptions could be compared before and after use of LinguaFolio® Online. The results of this study specify two important trends; first, regular use of the selfassessment lists contained within LinguaFolio® Online …
Creating Collaborative Parent-Teacher Learning Environments In An English Language Learner Setting, Joseph William Hutchins
Creating Collaborative Parent-Teacher Learning Environments In An English Language Learner Setting, Joseph William Hutchins
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
There is agreement in the academic community that parent involvement is critical to the academic achievement of all students. With the student population of America rapidly changing, the collaboration between parent and teacher continues to be more challenging. This study aims to explore the obstacles that inhibit collaboration with ELL (English Language Learners) families. The author documents details related to the barriers that exist in these relationships and current strategies commonly used to help with parent involvement in an ELL setting. Given the rapid increase in the Somali population in recent years in the Twin Cities, the author used this …
Adult English Learners' Perceptions Of Their Pronunciation And Linguistic Self-Confidence, Jennifer Marie Zoss
Adult English Learners' Perceptions Of Their Pronunciation And Linguistic Self-Confidence, Jennifer Marie Zoss
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Second language pronunciation research often focuses on intelligibility from the perspectives of native-speakers. However, few studies focus on English learners’ (ELs) perceptions of pronunciation, and few studies examine linguistic self-confidence (LSC). This study explores advanced-level adult ELs’ perceptions of their own pronunciation and the relationship between their perceptions and LSC. Inspiration for this study comes from ELs in my classes and Tracy Derwing’s 2003 study. This mixed methods study utilized an initial questionnaire followed by individual interviews. Results from data obtained suggest that adult ELs perceive English pronunciation affects quality of life in a variety of ways. Results also suggest …
Tutoring As An Elementary Reading Intervention To Benefit Bilingual Learners In Mexico, Hannah Marie Paulson
Tutoring As An Elementary Reading Intervention To Benefit Bilingual Learners In Mexico, Hannah Marie Paulson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this capstone project is, can peer tutoring be used as an effective elementary reading intervention to benefit bilingual learners in Mexico? Key influence for this capstone was the author’s observation of a lack of effective reading interventions in bilingual environments. The study is a qualitative study in which the author implemented a seven-week peer tutoring training with nineteen fifth grade tutors. These peer tutors each worked one on one with a fourth grade student to apply specific reading strategies. The goal of the capstone was to determine whether peer tutors could positively affect student outcomes …
Perceptions Of Cultural And Linguistic Preparedness: Deaf And Hard Of Hearing College Students’ Beliefs About Their K-12 School Setting, Rebecca Rosenbarker
Perceptions Of Cultural And Linguistic Preparedness: Deaf And Hard Of Hearing College Students’ Beliefs About Their K-12 School Setting, Rebecca Rosenbarker
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project was, do deaf and hard of hearing university students think their K-12 setting prepared them to succeed linguistically and culturally in both the Deaf and hearing communities? This research examines the survey responses of 11 deaf and hard of hearing university students through a mixed-methods approach. Through this research, the following trends were identified. First, the majority of participants found their school setting helped prepare them linguistically and culturally for the hearing world. Next, the majority of students from mainstream settings did not feel their school prepared them linguistically or culturally for the …
The Confluence Of Stem Education And Language Learning: Curriculum Integration To Benefit Language Learners, Christian Joseph Engelbret
The Confluence Of Stem Education And Language Learning: Curriculum Integration To Benefit Language Learners, Christian Joseph Engelbret
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The number of elementary STEM schools has risen dramatically in the last decade. The national government has identified goals for preparing learners for the workforce in the STEM areas, while also decreasing the achievement gap between white students and their non-white peers. This research paper seeks to answer three central questions: 1) How can these various STEM disciplines be integrated in an effective and meaningful manner to improve both academic language and content area knowledge of English Learners? 2) What lesson design format best prepares teachers to implement a project-based or integrated curriculum? 3) How can partnerships between higher education …
Analysis Of Nominalization In Elementary And Middle School Science Textbooks, Breanna Marie Mueller
Analysis Of Nominalization In Elementary And Middle School Science Textbooks, Breanna Marie Mueller
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research in this capstone examines the existence and implications of nominalizations through a text analysis of first through fifth grade and middle school science textbooks. This study utilizes various tools based on Systemic Functional Linguistics to determine the quantity and types of nominalizations found in various text levels, to reveal how frequently nominalizations are modified by a prepositional phrase that shows agency or force, to uncover how nominalization might affect the syntax and semantics of a text, and to deduce how nominalization might contribute to lexical density. The author also compares the results to address what nominalizations look like …
English Language Learners On The Autism Spectrum: Identifying Gaps In Learning, Jennifer Suzanne Reppond
English Language Learners On The Autism Spectrum: Identifying Gaps In Learning, Jennifer Suzanne Reppond
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This research project reports on questionnaire survey answers that Special Education (SPED) educators, English as second language (ESL) educators, and a speech language pathologist (SLP) currently working in the classroom, on school campuses, and private practices, gave as being a part of this study. Their answers sought to uncover gaps in the environment that might lead to unsuccessful execution of a cross-educational learning environment for the English language learner (ELL) with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD); highlights encompass where the educators felt gaps existed and where these gaps could be bridged for a better, more successful learning outcome. This project …
Former English Learners’ Perceptions Of Their K-12 Educational Experiences, Corissa Rae Michaelson
Former English Learners’ Perceptions Of Their K-12 Educational Experiences, Corissa Rae Michaelson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
In this qualitative study four former English learners between the ages of 21 and 24 were interviewed in order to answer the following questions: What perceptions do participants have of their K-12 educational experiences? What perceptions do participants have regarding deficit thinking in their K-12 educational experiences? What responses do participants have to deficit thinking they might have experienced? What in-school factors, if any, might have improved participants’ educational experiences? Data from individual interviews was analyzed using the constant-comparison method (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Major findings of this study were that participants had a more positive learning experience in ESL …
Analysis Of Efl Academic Writing In A Saudi University, Philline Mary Deraney
Analysis Of Efl Academic Writing In A Saudi University, Philline Mary Deraney
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This capstone analyzes 25 texts written by female university students in Saudi Arabia using the paradigm of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and genre-based writing focusing on the textual metafunction. The research methodology used was a description of the patterns that emerged in the students’ writing related to features of coherence and cohesion with basic frequency tables to support the qualitative data. The findings illustrate that while the texts showed some clear elements of coherence and cohesion and a partial understanding of the genre used in instruction, similar to international and regional studies, features of academic writing related to the textual …
Using Audiobooks To Promote Comprehension Of Cause-Effect Relationships In Social Studies Texts, Eric John Vernon
Using Audiobooks To Promote Comprehension Of Cause-Effect Relationships In Social Studies Texts, Eric John Vernon
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
There are many challenges for secondary ELs in their mainstream classes. Social studies texts in particular can be very difficult for students to comprehend. The cause-effect relationships play a key role in students understanding the connection of historical events. This study looks at the use of audiobooks as a scaffolding tool to improve students’ comprehension of the cause-effect relationships in social studies texts. Specifically the concurrent reading of the text along with listening to the audiobook. It was conducted in a high school intermediate ESL class, students read sections of a text without the use of the audiobook, then with …
Coordinating Collaboration For An Ell / Special Education Student, Cynthia Ann Graham
Coordinating Collaboration For An Ell / Special Education Student, Cynthia Ann Graham
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This paper explores a business model called Four Disciplines of Execution to help create collaboration between ESL and different departments that dually service two children. A case study was used to collect information through pre and post questionnaire in an addition to weekly progress data. The teachers used the Four Discipline of Execution to guide the collaboration through finding a common goal for the dually serviced student, assigning each teacher an objective toward that goal, keeping a scoreboard to watch progress and holding each teacher accountable to the agreed upon goal.
Processing Of American Idioms By Native Speakers Of Brazilian Portuguese: A Study Based On The Heuristic Model Of T.J. Cooper, Brendan John Obern
Processing Of American Idioms By Native Speakers Of Brazilian Portuguese: A Study Based On The Heuristic Model Of T.J. Cooper, Brendan John Obern
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The primary research question addressed in this study is, how do native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese process American English idioms? The author adapted a previous study by Thomas C. Cooper (1999), employing the think-aloud method: informants were asked to verbalize their thoughts as they resolved the meanings of the idioms, as presented in the Idiom Recognition Test (IRT). In contrast to Cooper’s 1999 study, the author questioned informants of a single L1 group; native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. The results showed that the native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese experienced less difficulty than the 1999 group understanding the same idioms. They …
Use Of Inquiry-Based Learning In A Content-Based Physical Science Course For English Language Learners, Otto Joseph Kraus
Use Of Inquiry-Based Learning In A Content-Based Physical Science Course For English Language Learners, Otto Joseph Kraus
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this capstone was, how can inquiry-based learning be used in a content-based physical science class for English language learners? The project provides one teacher’s creation of seven lessons that incorporate inquiry-based learning techniques into a content-based physical science course for English language learners. The lessons are intended to concurrently teach state physical science standards and WIDA language standards. The methods and rationale for the lessons are based on the importance of experience to the learning of language (Jackson, 2013; Robinson, 2011), as well as the overlapping pedagogies of inquiry learning and language learning, known as …
Bilingual Adults’ Language Use: A Study Of High Level Spanish English Speakers, Emma Kathleen Sinkler
Bilingual Adults’ Language Use: A Study Of High Level Spanish English Speakers, Emma Kathleen Sinkler
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study is to investigate how adults with a high level of Spanish and English language abilities use the two languages in different contexts and functions and how they perceive their own language use. Key influences included bilingual teachers and former students. The research of Ardila (2005) , Ehala and Niglas (2006) and Coluzzi (2010) informed my guiding questions and research methods. Three women who have high levels of Spanish and English participated in this study through an initial interview and questionnaire, three guided journal entries and a final interview. It was found that all the participants …
The Most Effective Efl Approach For An Elementary School In Spain, Krista Emily Swanson
The Most Effective Efl Approach For An Elementary School In Spain, Krista Emily Swanson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The main research question addressed in this paper is: what does the literature say about effective EFL approaches to be implemented in a private elementary school in Spain? In order to fully answer that question this capstone addressed the following question as well: what teaching strategies are effective for developing fluency in an EFL setting for children? The method of study was a systematic review of literature. Key influencers were Björklund and Suni (2000) and Björklund (2005). They studied a Finnish immersion school that used content-based instruction in a multilingual program with successful results. Another key influencer was Pérez-Vidal (2013). …
How Do The Life Stories Of Non-Traditional Students Impact Their Educational Journeys, Janna Lynn Graham
How Do The Life Stories Of Non-Traditional Students Impact Their Educational Journeys, Janna Lynn Graham
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question highlights the importance of personal narrative and explores the notion that reframing one’s story can have a strong impact on future success. The author discusses research pertaining to disconnected learners and examines the way in which personal stories influence classroom motivation. The data collection process takes an autobiographical approach as three non-traditional students share their educational life histories. Students’ stories are comprehensively explored through interviews, a review of student records, and observations. Each documented educational journey emphasizes the significance of individual stories and the importance of acknowledging the unique struggles faced by non-traditional students.
Newcomer Perceptions Of Identity And School Membership: Program Comparisons Between English Only And Dual Language Immersion Tracks, Jeanne Lorraine De La Riva [Whisler]
Newcomer Perceptions Of Identity And School Membership: Program Comparisons Between English Only And Dual Language Immersion Tracks, Jeanne Lorraine De La Riva [Whisler]
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the differences is ways newcomer ELs in the dual language immersion program characterized identity and sense of belonging in comparison to newcomer ELs in the English-only track. Interview data was analyzed to reveal differences in perceptions of school membership along three different themes: perception of Spanish in the school, academic participation, and peer acceptance. The concept of communities of practice (Lave & Wenger, 1991) was employed to understand students’ participation and sense of belonging within the school community, and the topics of agency and self-efficacy are discussed as they relate to students’ identities. The results of this …
Je Me Suis Couché De Bonne Heure: The Explicit Teaching Of Collocations To High School French 2 Students, Callie Anne Kunz
Je Me Suis Couché De Bonne Heure: The Explicit Teaching Of Collocations To High School French 2 Students, Callie Anne Kunz
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Two research questions guided this project: With explicit instruction, to what degree will students be able to acquire and use collocations in a descriptive writing task? And, to what degree will knowledge of collocations affect student confidence in their ability to communicate in French? Watching her students struggle with acquiring and using new vocabulary motivated the author’s interest in trying a novel approach to teaching vocabulary. This capstone discusses the results of explicit collocation instruction to nineteen high school French 2 students. The author uses research to support the teaching of collocations and documents the details of teaching a vocabulary …
Implementation Of Wida Standards: A Cross-Case Analysis Of Twelve Public School Districts In Minnesota, Ashley Elizabeth Karlsson
Implementation Of Wida Standards: A Cross-Case Analysis Of Twelve Public School Districts In Minnesota, Ashley Elizabeth Karlsson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Implementation of new educational initiatives is never without challenges, and the implementation of WIDA’s English Language Development (ELD) Standards is no exception. As a transformative framework aligning content standards with indicators of language proficiency growth, WIDA Standards have the potential to support and enhance differentiation efforts for English learners. Drawing on the work of implementation science, this research analyzes qualitative interview data from twelve public school districts in Minnesota to determine what is being done to put WIDA Standards into practice. Semi-structured interviewing techniques and cross-case data coding form the basis of the research methodology. The study examines the relationship …
Effective Conversations Around Tough Text Within Middle School Literature Circles, Gretchen Elizabeth Enselein
Effective Conversations Around Tough Text Within Middle School Literature Circles, Gretchen Elizabeth Enselein
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project was, how can I ensure that effective conversations around tough text are occurring within middle school literature circles? It explores the role of literature circles within middle school classrooms. The capstone outlines the scaffolding provided for student success. Defined is the term “tough text” and how text can successfully be implemented with the use of discussion to promote effective conversations. The author documents the related research to identify and define best practice strategies to implement and support existing curriculums in a middle school. Created to be implemented school-wide as a supplement to existing …
Using A Culturally Relevant Text Effectively To Support Diversity, Racial Equity, And School Community Building, Syra Yang
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed is, how can a culturally relevant text be used effectively to support diversity, racial equity, and school community building? This capstone shows how our school system is not constructed to support African American students’ learning as it does not acknowledge racial and cultural differences. The author was influenced by her own educational experiences and current racial equity journey. The author stresses how culturally relevant text and meaningful conversations or dialogue implemented into classrooms provides opportunities for everyone to learn from and acknowledge each other. In addition, she includes a curriculum design that is culturally responsive, focusing …
Culturally Responsive Math Curriculum: First Grade Dual Language Immersion Addition Unit, Alia R. Morales Towns
Culturally Responsive Math Curriculum: First Grade Dual Language Immersion Addition Unit, Alia R. Morales Towns
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The results of state educational testing show achievement gaps between students of color and white students in many states. This gap is also found in the testing data for school districts that implement dual language immersion using English and Spanish. Research demonstrates that curricula that incorporate theories and practices related to equity, social justice and culturally and linguistically responsive instruction can support efforts to close the gap in achievement. The purpose of this project was to create a standards-based, culturally and linguistically responsive mathematics unit of study, with a focus on social justice, to begin to close the racial achievement …
English Language Proficiency, Academic Confidence, And Academic Success: A Case Study Of First-Year Female Students At An Ethiopian University, Jennifer Sue Miller
English Language Proficiency, Academic Confidence, And Academic Success: A Case Study Of First-Year Female Students At An Ethiopian University, Jennifer Sue Miller
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Despite increased access to higher education for female students in Ethiopia, gender inequality in universities persists. The present study investigates a group of sixty first-year female students in the natural science fields who were attending an Ethiopian university and who voluntarily participated in an English mentoring pilot program. This research uses a mixed methods approach with qualitative data from participants’ writing samples and quantitative data from grade point averages, English language proficiency (ELP) levels from the British Council’s International Language Assessment (ILA) placement exam, and academic confidence ratings from the Academic Behavioral Confidence (ABC) survey. Results show differences between groups …