Education Commons^™

Teaching Race Through Multicultural Children's Literature, Kaley Bailey, Maiya Duthoo-Wolpert

Graduate Research Papers

There is considerable confusion in today’s society when it comes to talking about race. In result to this, race talk in schools can be overseen with challenges, leading to problematic conversations, disconnection, and ultimately student disengagement. This study is used by two Elementary educators one an Asian, the other a Caucasian - found in the Midwest, showing how teachers can break that uncomfortable barrier of the topic about race and navigate conversations through multicultural children’s literature books. The study demonstrated how to choose the most effective multicultural children’s literature to share to a classroom of students and how beneficial it …

Making The Water Cycle Accessible And Relevant For English Language Learners, Summer Teed

Graduate Research Papers

Students with limited English-proficiency present many unique challenges for educators and schools. These challenges multiply as both the number of students requiring services and the diversity of languages spoken increases. In Iowa’s 335 public school districts, the number of students classified as English-language learners (ELL) has nearly tripled in the last 15 years, jumping from 2.1% of the student population during the 1999-2000 school year to 5.7% in 2015- 2016 (Iowa Department of Education (IDOE), 2013; IDOE, 2015). Individual districts currently range from 0 to 57.4% of students requiring ELL services, with 25 of Iowa’s districts identifying more than 10% …

Using Critical Literacy And Emotionally Responsive Teaching To Discuss Racism In A Literature Circle Unit, Autumn Rose Den Boer

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains an instructional unit designed to create space in the classroom for open and honest conversations about racism through enhancing the literature circle format with the incorporation of critical literacy and emotionally-responsive teaching. The unit utilizes strategies that are research-based and referenced in the paper. Detailed lessons as well as all additional needed materials are included.

Facilitating Transfer For Adult Learners Through Cross-Cultural E-Learning, Min Zhang

Graduate Research Papers

Benefiting from globalization and technology advancement, e-leaming is increasingly being used by work organizations for improving the skills of knowledge workers. However, most workplace e-leaming is too theoretical to impact on-the-job and ultimately fails to serve the organizations' quest for success. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the variables that affect transfer of learning, and to provide feasible strategies to enhance transfer of learning for international adult learners in cross-cultural online learning environments. By conducting a critical review of purposefully selected peer reviewed journal articles, this review highlights the relationship between cultural differences and learning style preferences …

Supporting English Language Learners In Today's Early Childhood Classrooms, Katie Furlong

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to identify the kind(s) of early childhood instruction and learning environment that best supports students whose primary language is not English. The research examined focused on which teacher strategies used in the classroom improve academic achievement for English Language Learners (ELLs). In addition, the research compared the effects of dual language, or two-way immersion (TWI) and monolingual English immersion (El) early childhood education program models on children's learning. A variety of sources were used and synthesized to provide the reader with informational data and recommendations.

"I Can Do It" And You Can, Too : Toddlers And Autonomy In A Multicultural Classroom, Chelssi Lynn Michelle Parrott

Graduate Research Papers

This article will define autonomy and its relationship to learning and development in an infant or toddler classroom. It will discuss the differing cultural views concerning autonomy and the challenges this can bring to a culturally diverse classroom. It will give examples of what the development of autonomy looks like in my own classroom, and I will also share the guidelines that I keep in mind when encouraging autonomy with infants and toddlers.

Preschool Spanish Speakers Who Are Learning English : Factors Related To Later Reading Success, Debra S. Negley

Graduate Research Papers

The rapid rate of increasing numbers of Hispanics in the United States, along with the reading achievement gap between Whites and Hispanics, highlights the need to examine the factors that affect young Hispanics' literacy success. This literature review examined the specific factors that might predict Spanish-speaking Hispanic preschoolers' later reading accomplishments. Studies were categorized by child, family, and school factors that are related to prediction of future literacy attainment.

Analysis of the assorted papers and articles demonstrated that a combination of the following factors would most affect Hispanic preschoolers' future reading abilities in English: high quality early childhood education programs …

Preparing Instructors Of Adult Learners To Address The Needs Of Minority Students, Travell Unique Brock

Graduate Research Papers

In predominately Caucasian educational systems, diversity in the classroom is becoming a fast-growing phenomenon. With this new phenomenon, adult instructors now have a new challenge of facilitating learning in an environment where the learners not only have different learning capabilities, but also language and cultural differences. The reviewer answers the following questions: what are the important considerations for instructors to prepare diverse adult learners for corporate work environments, higher education, and K-12 professional development? And what are the appropriate cultural specific media and literature resources to include in training?

The literature collected focused on resources related to teaching adult minority …

African Americans Participation And Counseling, Tawanna L. Moore

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature reviewed is to understand African Americans' underutilization of mental health services available to them. It is also important to understand barriers that keep African Americans from seeking mental health services, so this population of people can maintain a healthy life. This review also addresses implications for Caucasian clinicians. The following literature review will explore: The kind of support and treatment African Americans seek or receive to help them with mental health problems, effectiveness of these programs, and barriers to treatment when services are available.

The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Counseling Bilingual Latinos Who Avoid Expressing Or Experiencing Emotions, Mayra A. Montalvo

Graduate Research Papers

A review of literature on the role of emotional intelligence in counseling bilingual Latinos who avoid expressing or experiencing emotions reveals that language, gender, ethnicity, religion, and family structure influence emotion usage. The two constructs, emotional intelligence and multiculturalism, offered a framework for understanding cultural and contextual factors in cross-cultural client-counselor relationships, redefining resistance from a multicultural standpoint, and possible therapeutic interventions that take into account the cultural influences and beliefs of Latinos on the mental health system.

English Language Learners In The Integrated Middle School Science Classroom, Julie A. Fee

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will answer three questions relating to limited English-proficiency students. First, what historical changes have occurred to improve education for the LEP student? Second, what information do teachers with adolescent LEP students, especially students who have recently immigrated, need in order to run a happy and successful class? Last, what strategies and philosophies should be used to help ESL students compete academically with their American born classmates?

Addressing The Cultural Needs Of Latino Students In The Classroom : A Workshop For Reflective Educators, Tamara J. Hess

Graduate Research Papers

This is a professional development workshop intended for an elementary staff venue. The purpose is to facilitate teachers in developing culturally responsive classrooms in which Latino students can confidently develop their literacy skills. The workshop will serve to assist participants in identifying what their own cultural beliefs are, developing connections with people of the Latino culture, and exploring avenues to encourage growth and understanding between the two. It allows for the participants to be proactive in the creation of instruments that will enhance communication between home and school, and to use the information gained from it to build cooperative relationships …

Counseling Students With Limited English Proficiency, Michiru Shiraishi

Graduate Research Papers

As the United States experiences ever-increasing cultural diversity, school and mental health counselors are struggling to find an effective counseling style for these clients. This study focuses on students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). It addresses possible issues that LEP students will face, the things the counselors need to be aware of when counseling LEP students, the way to work with LEP students' parent(s), using various assessments to understand students, teaming with the English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor, using interpreters, and applying the community counseling model as a guideline to counsel LEP students.

Educating African American Children : Breaking The Silence, Bernadette Thomas

Graduate Research Papers

It is inappropriate to view all children as the same, even when they may look very similar or share a cultural background. Differences exist in and among all racial and ethnic groups at all social levels. It would be dangerous to read information on diversity and apply it as if all people in that particular group are the same. Cultural information can promote understanding and insight for all. It is necessary to understand the challenges and issues that children of diverse backgrounds are faced with in order to facilitate positive change and resiliency in the counseling process. The author provides …

Choosing Quality Multicultural Literature For Use In A General Classroom, Jill M. Dykstra

Graduate Research Papers

The history of multicultural education has changed from the conception of it in the 1960's until now. It emerged primarily in the 1960's, initially in response to cultural deprivation theory. Today, however, multicultural education is linked to cultural diversity. Most teachers use multicultural education and literature only if they have a diverse population; however, the belief is that all students need to experience diversity. Multicultural literature may help not only students to broaden their knowledge and information about others, but may also provide teachers with new ideas and perspectives.

Second Language Learning With Computer Software, Sonia Uppal

Graduate Research Papers

This article addresses diversity in the classrooms and the need for technology for English language learners. Language acquisition and English language learning are overviewed with highlights of the different stages in language learning and various methods used for language. Integrating the role of technology in learning English as a second language is presented as a practical way in which to instruct English language learners. However, selection of software is seen as a critical aspect of effectively using technology for English language instruction. Various important aspects for evaluating a software program for English language learners are presented. A software evaluation form …

The Trend Of Academic Achievement And Retention For Immigrant Latino Youth, Pamela Humphrey

Graduate Research Papers

This paper discusses the trend of academic achievement and retention for Latino immigrant youth. Research indicates that the general trend for Latino youth is negative – generally achievement is lower than any other immigrant ethnic group, and the drop out rate is higher than for any other ethnic group. Factors such as language and methods of learning, segregation, poverty, low parental involvement in education, discrimination, and stress due to immigration have been identified as factors contributing to low academic success.

The ways in which schools deal with immigrant students is also discussed. Further research is needed on immigrant Latino families …

Effective Bilingual Practices For Early Childhood Reading And Language Arts :/ A Professional Development Seminar And Model Thematic Unit For English-Spanish Bilingual Educators, Priscila Palomino De Piper

Graduate Research Papers

This project provides a workshop framework for the implementation of effective bilingual practices in early childhood reading and language arts. It is designed as a series of workshops for English-Spanish bilingual educators, with the purpose of providing ideas and strategies to support the development of reading and language arts programs in both languages. It is important to point out that the success of a language program relies not only on excellent research, but also on the support of parents, teachers, administrators and the whole community. It is important to believe that no language is superior to any other, that the …

Picture Books About Korea And Korean Americans, Jongsun Wee

Graduate Research Papers

Multicultural literature is beneficial to children to understand different cultures diversity in the global world. Koreans started to immigrate to the United States beginning in 1902. In spite of a lengthy Korean American immigration history, few children· s books portray Korea and Korean Americans. This study overviewed picture books about Korea and Korean Americans available in local libraries and universities and identified cultural values and themes in the Korean American picture books. This study also examined authenticity and stereotyping in the Korean American picture books. Few pictures books about Korea and Korean American have been published over the past 40 …

Cultural Connection : A Communication Project Designed To Enhance Cultural Awareness And Global Workforce Skills, Devon M. Anderson Winters

Graduate Research Papers

The Cultural Exchange Project was developed to be a collaborative activity that would allow students from a computer applications class in Waterloo, Iowa, to communicate through electronic mail (email), letters, and video with students from a Polish high school. The project was developed to provide cultural awareness, foster international relationships, improve communication skills, and promote technology usage. Students completed various activities to prepare for and enhance this project. These activities included: lessons in "netiquette"; reports on other cultures, and worksheets for sharing personal information. Each student was assigned a partner to communicate with individually through letters and email. The author …

Internet-Enhanced Esl Education : A Literature Review, Yu Cao

Graduate Research Papers

This paper intends to present some of the most current research on the tremendous benefits which the Internet can provide to ESL education. Some Internet applications which can be used as active teaching and learning tools in the ESL classrooms are being presented in this paper, such as electronic mail, electronic discussion group or "lists," electronic forum, chat room, and keypal. Additionally, this paper intends to bring educators' attention to those issues which affect language learners' interests in using the Internet in their learning. Issues include the lack of training, accessibility of technology, and lack of feedback.

Diversity In The College Curriculum : Overview Of The Literature, Ruben J. Carrion

Graduate Research Papers

The colleges and universities in the United States that have adopted a proactive commitment to diversity in the curriculum have done so because they understand how their central mission is linked with the future of a diverse society. They are aware that, in the new millennium, most new jobs in the economy require a postsecondary education, and women and racial/ethnic minorities compose a majority of the workforce. One result of this awareness is the transformation taking place at many institutions that links diversity in the curriculum with the development of new teaching practices and learning practices.

This review of the …

Multicultural Counseling With Latino Youth, Amy S. Roling

Graduate Research Papers

The author of this paper examined current literature reviewing Latino youth issues and considerations in counseling this population. First, the author will discuss the importance of multicultural counseling education in counselor training programs. Considerations and factors will then be identified for working specifically with Latino youth. Next, the risk of low academic achievement for Latino youth will be discussed. Then, the author will explore assessing and diagnosing members of the Latino population. Finally, she will describe conclusions about current research and implications for future counselors.

Assessing Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Stuents : A Discussion For Professionals In The Schools, Candace Kist-Tahmasian

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is intended for professional school psychologists, school social workers, consultants in special education and other professionals involved in assessment issues in the schools. It is necessary for school professionals to have an understanding of the general socio-political context which surrounds the issues involved in language and culture to better assess the mental/cognitive abilities of language minority students through the dominant language and culture.

It is beyond the scope of this paper to present such issues in their entirety. Therefore, the focus of this paper will center on "voluntary minorities", specifically those who are learning English as a second …

Latinas In Higher Education : No Longer The Invisible Minority, Sheila Adele Rodriguez

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper will explore the issues underlying the under-representation of Latinas in higher education. The emphasis will be placed on Chicana females because Chicanos comprise 60 percent of the Latino population, and much of the existing research is focused on this group. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, barriers to the participation of Latinas in higher education will be explored. Second, factors contributing to the success of high-achieving Latinas will be discussed. Finally, implications for higher education programming and policies will be examined as they affect Chicanas in particular, and Latinas in general. Suggestions for ways in …

Creating Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Sally M. Goodenbour

Graduate Research Papers

Many teachers enter teaching situations in which the culture of the students is very different from their own. Human relations classes help to make one aware of the different cultures that may exist, but the classes often do not provide instruction on how to link the cultural situation to instructional practices. This project was designed to help preservice and practicing teachers become aware that our nation is becoming more diverse, to build their knowledge about multicultural education (including becoming familiar with the cultural background of their students}, and to understand that there are many instructional strategies that can assist in …

Bridging The Cultural Gap Between Home And School, Anne Chanco Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

This journal article explores the significance of the early implementation of multicultural literature in young children's lives. As young children prepare for the transition from home culture to school culture, problems may occur, such as cultural conflict, if both minority and majority children are not prepared for the school's diverse population. By incorporating multicultural literature experiences, both educators and parents can help to raise the awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity.

In addition to becoming more aware of cultural diversity, children will also learn tolerance of children of another ethnic background. If young children are involved with multicultural literacy activities …