Education Commons^™

Peer Effects And The Indigenous/ Non‐Indigenous Early Test‐Score Gap In Peru, Chris Sakellariou

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

This paper assesses the magnitude of the non-indigenous/indigenous test-score gap for third-year and fourth-year primary school pupils in Peru, in relation to the main family, school and peer inputs contributing to the test-score gap using the estimation method of feasible generalized least squares. The article then decomposes the gap into its constituent components using the traditional Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition method, as well as a modified decomposition method based on the estimation of a cognitive achievement production function. The decomposition results from both decomposition methods suggest that almost all of the test-score gap is explained by various peer, student, family and school …

Needs Are Special, Audrey Cohan Ed.D, Andrea Honigsfeld Ed.D.

Faculty Works: EDU (1995-2023)

In the U.S., English Language Learners (ELLs) are now one in five (DiCerbo, 2006). Between 1994/1995 and 2004/2005, LEP (Limited English Proficient) students grew more than twice as fast as their English speaking counterparts (NCELA, nd). Most educators are likely to encounter children who do not speak English fluently, though the likelihood is much higher in certain regions of the country. A unique challenge for many of these teachers and administrators is working with ELLs who are struggling learners (Artiles & Ortiz, 2002; Baca & Cervantes, 2004).

Vocabulary Size, Background Characteristics, And Reading Skill Of Korean Intensive English Students, Nolan Weil

Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Faculty Publications

This study examines the relationship between breadth of vocabulary, background experiences in learning English and student skill in the reading of an academic text. The author used the Swansea Levels Tests to estimate vocabulary sizes and collected information on background characteristics via questionnaire from eleven Korean students enrolled in an Intensive English program and five Korean undergraduate students at Utah State University. Eight of the Intensive English students were subsequently trained in a think-aloud procedure and then completed a research task in which they read a 960-word essay. The task required the students to think aloud as they attempted to …

Multiple Pre-Nominal Adjective Usages By Asian L2 Learners Of English, Sarah D. Mcmahon

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis focuses on adjective ordering in the English language, particularly in how it affects Asian ESL students’ grasp on English grammar. In order to complete the thesis, research was done comparing the aforementioned ESL students’ handling of pre-nominal adjective placement with that of generally accepted English adjective order. This was used for the following reasons: (i) to identify whether adjective placement is innate or learned; (ii) to discover common errors made by ESL students in adjective ordering; and (iii) to show that the findings may, upon extension, be used to implement ESL curriculum.

The Academic Needs Of The Native Spanish-Speaking English Language Learner Under The No Child Left Behind Act (Nclb), Amy J. Whicker

Senior Honors Theses

The instructional demands and pressures placed on today’s educators are constantly increasing, influenced by national and state learning standards, assessments, and changing student demographics. More specifically, the standards of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) set by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) require academic gains to be made yearly by all students, including those with significant learning hurdles, such as the language acquisition difficulties faced by English Language Learners (ELLs). While the future of the NCLB Act is debatable, the necessity of effective classroom arrangements and instructional methods is indubitable. In addition, because the majority of this ELL population is …

Diversity, Multiculturalism, And Pluralism: A James White Library Bibliography, Terry Dwain Robertson

Faculty Publications

A bibliography of books available in the James White Library addressing issues of diversity, multiculturalism, and pluralism in the disciplines of business, education, political science, religion, and sociology.

On The Way To Becoming Global Citizens: Use Of Ict By Ukrainian Students, Mariya Yukhymenko, Scott W. Brown

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Information is one of the important assets in today's society. Information and communication technologies (ICT) may be particular important for students as one of the tools to become global citizens. The objective of this study was to investigate use of ICT by high school students (n=122) from Ukraine, a developing country. The analysis indicates that majority of students from Ukraine have computer at home and more than half of students have the Internet access at home. In addition, gender differences in the use of computer and the Internet were identified. Educational implications and future directions are discussed.

Prospective Efl (English As A Foreign Language) Teachers’ Perceptions Of Learner Autonomy, Ozgur Yildirim

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study investigated prospective EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers’ perceptions of learner autonomy. Main aim was to see whether the education they receive on how to teach English make any difference in prospective EFL teachers’ perceptions regarding learner autonomy. A researcher-developed questionnaire was administered to 179 students studying in the program of ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’ at Anadolu University in Turkey. Results of the study indicated that generally there is not much difference between the first and fourth year participants of the study in terms of their perceptions of learner autonomy.

Global Learning Community Network: Heritage Language Learning Project Using Social Interaction Software, Melda N. Yildiz

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper presents the study called "Global Learning Community Network." The project promotes teaching language, culture, history and literacy through media production in teacher education. It focuses on: (1) examining cultural and linguistically responsive curriculum designed for K12 students who were in the US as heritage language learners; (2) multilingual tutoring and mentoring to K12 students about culture, language, and history of the US and Turkey using Web 2.0 technologies; (3) indentifying teacher candidates' reactions, discoveries, and experiences with the project; and (4) the process of developing learning objects such as digital storytelling projects focusing on across cultures throughout history.

Professional Development Initiatives That Bridge, Develop And Support Learning Environments For Culturally And Linguistically Diverse School Communities In The Us And Guatemala, Miriam Pepper-Sanello, Adrienne Andi Sosin, Michelle Zucaro, Cynthia Rainbow

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper describes action research initiated by members of the Alpha Upsilon Alpha Literacy Honor Society of the International Reading Association at Adelphi University. In an ongoing service project sponsored by the Nassau Reading Council (NRC) and sanctioned by the Minister of Education in Guatemala, the participants are teacher educators and teacher-researchers studying their own professional learning as they provide literacy pedagogical techniques for colleagues in the US, as well as observing the effects of the NRC professional development initiative in literacy for Guatemalan teachers. Educational insights will resonate in improved literacy practices in the US and Guatemala.

Relationship Among Essential Leadership Preparation Practices And Leader, School, And Student Outcomes In K-8 Schools, Donna Braun, Robert K. Gable, Stacey L. Kite

K-12 Education

A questionnaire was administered to school principals (N=88). The questionnaire data, along with student data, were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression to investigate the relationships among leadership preparation practices, self rated leader behavior, the school learning environment, and student achievement. After controlling for demographic variables, the amount of variance explained was incremented a statistically significant degree between: preparation practices and leader behaviors ( R2 = 5%); preparation practices and student achievement ( R2 = 5%); preparation practices and leaders’ instructional knowledge ( R2 = 6%); and leaders’ instructional knowledge and instructional practices in schools ( R2 = 5%).

Relationship Among Essential Leadership Preparation Practices And Leader, School, And Student Outcomes In K-8 Schools, Donna Braun, Robert K. Gable, Stacey L. Kite

Teacher Education

A questionnaire was administered to school principals (N=88). The questionnaire data, along with student data, were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression to investigate the relationships among leadership preparation practices, self rated leader behavior, the school learning environment, and student achievement. After controlling for demographic variables, the amount of variance explained was incremented a statistically significant degree between: preparation practices and leader behaviors (R2 = 5%); preparation practices and student achievement (R2 = 5%); preparation practices and leaders’ instructional knowledge (R2 = 6%); and leaders’ instructional knowledge and instructional practices in schools (R2 = 5%).

Flarr Pages #62: Using Songs To Teach Grammar And Generate Discussion In The Classroom, Cecilia Mafla-Bustamante

FLARR Pages

Throughout my nearly three decades of teaching language (Spanish and English), I have experienced that students absolutely love the use of songs in the classroom to learn vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, as well as engage in great discussions. Songs provide good models of pronunciation, authentic language, topics of interest, and impetus for discussion of controversial issues in the classroom. Songs present topics students can identify with, so they enjoy participating in the pre-song activities, listening, singing, and post-song discussion. . Because of the repetition of verses and the use of rhyme, the meaning and sounds are retained longer, helping students to …

Closing The Gap

Closing the Gap Newsletter

Newsletter of the College of Education

Supporting Children's Participation In Second Language Stories In An Irish Language Preschool, Maire Mhic Mhathuna

Articles

This paper considers how children learning a second language were supported as active participants during storytelling sessions in an Irish-language immersion preschool in Dublin. Audio-recordings and observations were made of the story sessions once a fortnight over a period of six months. The resulting transcripts were analysed from an interactionist perspective, recognising both the cognitive and social aspects of the process. The staff were also interviewed and a questionnaire was completed by the parents. The analysis showed that the practitioners provided support for the children through dynamic repeated readings of target books, scaffolded interactions, sufficient experience of storybook reading and …

The Development And Validation Of The Diversity Dispositions Index, Laura E. Schulte, Sarah Edwards, Nancy A. Edick Dr.

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

The population of the U.S. is becoming increasingly more diverse. Yet, administrators and teachers in the U.S. are predominantly "European Americans from middle-class backgrounds who speak only English. Many of their students are racial and ethnic minorities, live in poverty, and speak a first language other than English" (Banks et aI., 2005, p. 237). The "No Child Left Behind Act" signed into law in2002 requires school districts to hire highly qualified teachers who possess the necessary dispositions to ensure that all children learn (Center on Education Policy, 2002). School administrators and teachers must understand students' backgrounds and experiences, and they …

Effects Of Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices On The Literacy Learning Of Latino Students, Miriam Elizabeth Stroder

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Raising scholastic achievement of diverse and struggling students as well as narrowing the academic achievement gap between students from mainstream and diverse backgrounds seems to be essentially dependent on educators’ personal knowledge, perspectives, and definitions regarding the terms multicultural education and equity pedagogy. Research studies confirm that addressing student’s culture, language, and social status with appreciation, inclusion, and sensitivity increases their academic successes. In classrooms, negative perceptions often maintained by educators about students perpetuate the false belief that diverse learners are unable to or struggle to grasp new learning. This ten-week qualitative study examined teachers’ perceptions as well as implementations …

Toward A Transformative Teaching Practice: Criticity, Pedagogy And Praxis, Arturo Rodriguez

Literacy, Language, and Culture Faculty Publications and Presentations

One method to teach a multicultural class: a teacher walks in to a room calls the class to order, steps to the lectern and begins to deliver knowledge. Socially acquired information is disseminated; that gained over years of study and experience. Another view: I walk into a class where my students are sitting quietly at their desks pen and paper at the ready and quietly ask: shall we form a circle? The students agree and after having done so I follow up with a generative (Freire, 1970): what are your current understandings of Diversity? In following the work of Paulo …

Asynchronous Learning Networks: Policy Implications For Minority Serving Institutions And For Leaders Addressing Needs Of Minority Learners, Janet K. Poley

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

For minority serving institutions, policies that support learners call for decisions about equity, quality, cost, impact on national economic performance and international global relationships

Where We Go To School: Latino Students And The Public Schools Of Boston, Miren Uriarte, Jie Chen, Mandira Kala

Gastón Institute Publications

Where we go to School: Latino Students and the Public Schools of Boston focuses on the experience of Latino children in the Boston Public Schools (BPS). Using available public data that had not previously been compiled, it aims at the fullest view possible of the Latino school population.

Boston Public Schools is the largest school district in the state, enrolling 56,765 students in AY 2006, the school year that is the focus of this study. School enrollments in Boston have been both shrinking and diversifying. In 2000-2001, for example, enrollments numbered 63,024; just five years later, enrollment was 9.6% lower. …

International Dateline (June 2008, Vol. 18 No. 2), Zinta Konrad

International Dateline Newsletter

Visitors; Staff News; Retireees; Tom Montgomery-Fate in Nicaragua; International CommitteeReports; Got 3D Vision?; College Lecture Series; Leaving Home Essay Challenge; Professional Development and Exchanges; CBYX Intern in Washington; Study Abroad; Lauren Vitiello in Florence Fall 2008; Chicago Council on Global Affairs; Host an Exchange Student from France; People Educating People; International Negotiations Modules Project; Peace Institute; Conferences/Workshops/Fellowships; Resources; Cultural Miscues

A Nonnative Speaker, And Still The Right Person For The Job, Eun-Young Julia Kim

Faculty Publications

I am a nontraditional ESL director. There is no denying that I am a foreigner. No matter how many times I've dyed my hair and tried to adopt an American name to appear more "native," I am just too Asian; an invincible accent, a hard-to-pronounce three-syllable name, dark brown eyes, a body the size of an eighth grader's - all these reveal the invconvenient truth that I am not from "here." At just over 5 feet tall, I am almost indistinguishable from my ESL students.

Alexander, J. M. (Sc 1658), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

MSS Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Small Collection 1658. Letters concerning J.M. Alexander's attempts to receive credit for courses taken at African American educational institutions in Kentucky.

If Our Students Fail, We Fail, If They Succeed We Succeed: Case Studies Of Boston Schools Where Latino Students Succeed, Eileen De Los Reyes, David Nieto, Virginia Diez

Gastón Institute Publications

This report focuses on the findings of five case studies of Boston schools whose Latino students are succeeding academically. The purpose of the study is to identify the characteristics of schools where Latino students succeed so that it can serve as a guide to educators as they plan for programs directed at these students as well as to parents as they choose educational settings for their children.

If Our Students Fail, We Fail. If They Succeed We Succeed reports on case studies of the Manassah E. Bradley Elementary, the Hugh R. O’Donnell Elementary, the Donald McKay K-8 School, Fenway High …

Profiles And Perspectives: Learning Through Descriptive Inquiry At The Cypress Hills Community School, Laura Ascenzi-Moreno, Cecilia M. Espinosa, Sarah Ferholt, Michael Loeb, Berky Lugo-Salcedo, Cecilia Traugh

Publications and Research

This paper describes the work of a collaborative study group on exploring the multiple literacies of students at one school in Brooklyn, NY. Through descriptive review, the group developed knowledge about how to support student language and bilingualism through responsive techniques.

Chinese Heritage Culture And Language Initiative, Sandra G. Flank

Cornerstone 2 Reports : Community Outreach and Empowerment Through Service Learning and Volunteerism

Chinese Heritage Culture and Language Initiative

Xiao-lei Wang (Professor)

Xiao-lan Rong (Graduate Assistant)

School of Education

Initial Plan: Produce Chinese Heritage language lessons through traditional Chinese Holidays for afterschool activities

As Is The Sapling, So Grows The Tree: The Importance Of Early Care, Roberto E. Bahruth

Literacy, Language, and Culture Faculty Publications and Presentations

All education is political and the ways children are educated early in life has a strong influence on them throughout their adult experience. Examples of these influences are provided from past generations with an argument to address the speed-of-light living of the generation of the microchip world of today's modern society. Children growing up with electronics and with little tolerance for down time crave constant stimulation. They are living a fundamentally different childhood, disconnected from nature's metaphors. Reflective time, quiet time, time spent getting lost in a book are being replaced by microtexting, emails, instant messaging, and cell phone conversations …

Missionary English Teaching: The English Language, Western Culture, And Christianity, Derek J. Kresge

Senior Honors Theses

Teaching English as a missionary has become a significantly larger field in the recent years. These missionaries are confronted with a unique set of circumstances in which they perform their service. As English teachers, these missionaries are faced with the dilemma of teaching as best they can while at the same time living as followers of Christ in cultures that may be opposed to Christ as well as to the Western culture. This thesis unwraps the issues involved and discusses possible solutions to the problems that present themselves for missionary English teachers.

Status Of Latino Education In Massachusetts: A Report, Nicole Lavan, Miren Uriarte

Gastón Institute Publications

Educational reform has brought great improvements in educational outcomes for Massachusetts students. In the past decade, achievement scores have risen for all students in Massachusetts; today the Commonwealth ranks first among all states in the overall National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores. However, it also ranks among the five states with the widest “gap” in achievement between white and Latino students in both NAEP Math and Reading. These gaps in achievement show that the benefits are not reaching all children. Latinos especially, but also African American children, are often left behind in a state with excellent academic institutions. Examining …

Closing The Gap

Closing the Gap Newsletter

Newsletter of the College of Education