Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

Students' Perceptions Of Non-Native Arabic And Native Arabic Teachers, Mohamed Firgany

Theses and Dissertations

Educators teach Millions of Arabic language learners worldwide, most of whom are not native speakers. Despite their efforts in teaching, developing educational materials, and significant contributions to scientific research, there is a lack of research on them within the context of the Arabic language.

In this project, I explore students' perceptions of teaching practices for native-speaker teachers (NSTs) and non-native-speaker teachers (NNSTs), along with the advantages and disadvantages associated with each. Additionally, I aim to understand the impact of certain variables such as gender, age, nationality, language proficiency, and the purpose of studying on these perceptions.

Through 173 survey responses …

Youth Literacy And Social Practices In A Gaming Club, Abdul R. Siddiqui

Theses and Dissertations

One of the growing phenomena of our digital age is the proliferation of digital fan spaces (Gee, 2018). Dedicated to a specific fandom or activity, these spaces have allowed participants to play competitively, share videos with each other, create fanfiction, provide feedback to one another and engage in a host of literacies around something they share an affinity for (Black, 2009; Gee, 2017a). Through advances in technology, access to multiple tools and highly specialized knowledge of specific subjects, youth can now create communities in online spaces where they can engage in complex activities with their friends and fellow gamers without …

Afl Students’ Perception Of Using Mnemonics As A Strategy To Enhance Their Vocabulary Acquisition And Retention, Elsayed Elsisi

Theses and Dissertations

Research in the field of language teaching and learning reveals that mnemonics is one of the most effective language learning strategies for vocabulary. Researchers like Rasiban, et al. (2019); Levin (1993); Zulfa (2019); Kayaaltu (2018) suggest that using mnemonics to learn new vocabulary has a positive effect on vocabulary retention and retrieval. Research also shows however that students’ perceptions may encourage or inhibit the usage of any learning strategy depending on their perceptions of its effectiveness. Hence the importance of detecting learner perception about any learning or teaching device. Despite the above there is limited research about students’ perceptions about …

Liberation Education: A Strive To Make Literacy Instruction Meaningful For All Elementary School Students & Teachers, Cassandra K. Goodwin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this conceptual research was to review literature on the implementation and the implications of liberation education in the elementary literacy classroom, specifically for students of color and white teachers in urban schools. This research discusses educational frameworks tied to liberation education and explores common themes that arise through the literature review. The importance of culturally responsive teaching, critical pedagogy, and multiliteracies pedagogy through literacy instruction is highlighted. Thorough teacher preparation, and active teacher engagement allow for student empowerment. Positive effects of liberation education through literacy for students and teachers are explored. Strides away from traditional teaching to …

Multimodal Digital Literacy Practices: Perspectives Of L2 Academic Writing Instructors, Priscila Jovazino Bastos Medrado Costa

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of my dissertation study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of English language instructors about the use of multimodal digital technologies in the teaching of academic writing. Writing academically in English as a second language (L2) is complex and multilayered for international students, and multimodal digital literacy practices are essential in the writing process in the age of information technology. The literature on multimodal digital literacies applied to L2 English instruction and to academic writing and the literature on teachers’ impressions about instructional technologies are vast. However, there is a need for further studies that address the …

Using Multicultural Texts To Motivate Special Education Middle Schoolers To Read Independently, Ramona Maria Di Maria

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to investigate and examine middle school students’ motivation to read independently. The goal was to see what happens to seventh grade special needs students’ motivation when using authentic multicultural texts during independent reading. Motivation profiles, student interest surveys, reading habit observations and student multicultural book choices were collected and analyzed. The special needs students that participated in the study showed how a structured daily independent reading schedule, choice of multicultural literature, and classroom environment can increase their motivation to read independently. The implications for teaching independent reading in a middle school special needs …

Teacher Perceptions Of Teaching Enjoyment And Student Foreign Language Enjoyment And Anxiety, Nourhan Marei

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this research is to explore teachers’ perceptions of foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA), foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and foreign language teaching enjoyment (FLTE). This study targeted answering three research questions inquiring about teachers’ perceptions of FLCA and FLE, the influence of FLTE on FLCA and FLE, and teachers’ different experiences with these emotions. A mixed-method approach was employed in this exploratory study by using two instruments to collect data: a questionnaire and interviews. The total number of teachers who participated in this study was 54. The questionnaire aimed to quantitatively measure teachers’ perceptions of FLCA, FLE, and …

Language Borrowing Among Syrians Speaking Arabic In The United States: Arabization Of English Words, Joanne Stephen

Theses and Dissertations

Immigration to the United States from different Arab countries have been occurring for the past couple of centuries. Arabs from many countries are still migrating to different States in America. Getting adapted to a whole new place, new culture, and especially a new language could be difficult. Cultural and language contact in some cases causes what is called “language borrowing”. This study identified and examined different words that Syrian Arabic speakers in the United States of America borrow from the English language and arabize them. This study investigated the different approaches that native Arabic speakers follow in order to adapt …

The Influence Of Bolded Keywords In Online News Texts On Reading Speed And Comprehension For Heritage+ Learners Of Arabic, Marwah Khost Aljarkas

Theses and Dissertations

Learners and readers of Arabic, especially Heritage Language Learners, suffer more than ever from the lack of focus while reading online texts. This becomes a challenge that negatively impacts their overall learning process. This paper explores the influence of one salience feature - bolded keywords - over reading speed and comprehension amongst Heritage+ Learners of Arabic. Heritage+ refers to Arabs living in the Arab world, but who have minimum exposure to the language. Thirty-two students, who are Heritage+ Learners of Arabic, currently studying at the American University in Cairo and belong to Generation Z (18-25 years), participated in the study. …

Understanding Student Reading Motivation In Relation To Representation And Reader’S Workshop, Abigail Sophie Ronberg

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a case study on one group of on-level learners in a sixth grade language arts class in northern New Jersey. Students were instructed using Reader’s Workshop principles throughout the school year. This study looks at whether student choice, using reader’s workshop, and providing student feedback affect reading motivation. Motivation to read is measured though Gambrell’s Motivation to Read Profile, once at the beginning of a Reader’s Workshop unit and once at the end. Throughout the unit, students are asked to rate their experiences and share their thinking. Parents are interviewed to determine familial literacy history and provide …

Case Study: Reading Multicultural Literature To An Emergent Reader In The Home, Kiyna Twisdale

Theses and Dissertations

This case study was conducted to find what happens when a parent reads multicultural books to their young child at home. The qualitative data collected was used to determine the child’s reactions to the similarities and differences between them and the characters, as well as how multicultural books can be used to address sensitive topics and complex themes in the home. A caregiver, the researcher, collected data from read aloud sessions with her five-year old daughter. After reading seven multicultural books together, the research found that the child was able to make simple and concrete connections with the physical appearance …

Using Literature Circles To Strengthen The Overall Literacy Skills And Reading Performance Of Emergent Bilingual Students, Shannon A. Pruett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of literature circles on strengthening the literacy skills and reading performance of two emergent bilingual students. As guided reading groups help reinforce students’ ability to read, it is key to implement additional instructional strategies that will assist in improving emergent bilingual students’ reading, writing, and language skills. Harvey Daniels (2002) described literature circles as an effective classroom tool in supporting the overall literacy skills of emergent bilingual students: “Young bilingual children, no matter what their linguistic background, are able to have rich discussions if they have regular opportunities to engage …

The Influence Inclusive Literature Circles With Multicultural Literature Has On The Self-Efficacies Of 4th Grade Students With Disabilities, Brianna Norcross

Theses and Dissertations

This study seeks to determine what happens to fourth grade students with disabilities reading self-efficacies when they participate in inclusive literature circles with multicultural literature. The purpose of this teacher research was to investigate strategies to improve reading self-efficacies of students with disabilities, investigating what would happen if students with disabilities were placed heterogeneously with their peers while reading books with characters with disabilities and how that influenced their reading self-efficacies. Four students with a disability were integrated with their general education peers in their inclusive classroom to participate in literature circles for four weeks. The multicultural books were books …

Multicultural Mentor Texts In 2nd Grade Writer’S Workshop, Ellen R. Carbonaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the utilization of relevant multicultural mentor texts during writer’s workshop instruction in the second-grade classroom. The specific aim is to understand how students relate these diverse texts to their development of literacy skills. This study is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of culturally relevant education and reader response theory. Upon data triangulation analysis, the following themes were identified: 1. Multicultural Literature Promoted Engagement with Literacy, 2. Multicultural Mentor Texts as a Guide for Writing, and 3. Writing as a Social Practice within the Writer’s Workshop Model. Implications regarding the …

Using Dual-Language Texts To Support Literacy For Emergent Bilingual Students, Amanda Dranchak

Theses and Dissertations

This paper provides a qualitative account of how linguistically inclusive curriculums can enhance literacy instruction. The specific aim of this study is to explore the impact on literacy instruction of emergent bilingual students when the curriculum includes dual-language texts. Methods of data collection include student interviews, text discussions, student work, and student self-assessments. The findings show that the dual language literature positively affected the emergent bilingual students. Students enjoyed increased levels of engagement and a high level of confidence in their reading abilities. The research demonstrates the value of a culturally and linguistically inclusive instructional environment. With the inclusion of …

Evolving Literacy Practices In The Vocational-Technical High School Classroom: How Critical Literacy Frameworks Enhance Learning And Increase Student Reading Success In Cte, Alice A. Infranco

Theses and Dissertations

This paper provides a qualitative account of how Critical Literacy instruction fosters reading growth in vocational-technical school settings. This study examines how critical literacy enriches learning outcomes within Career and Technical Education (CTE). The findings are that Critical Literacy skills are necessary for all readers because they positively affect student engagement and participation in learning, especially if presented in a way that allows students to have an active role in their learning. Examples of how to integrate Critical Literacy instruction into CTE classrooms are presented and discussed. These instructional practices go beyond traditional reading comprehension skills. The conclusion is that …

Students’ And Teachers’ Perceptions Of Using Memes In Esl Classrooms, Fadwa Youssef

Theses and Dissertations

Using humor in the language classroom has proven to be an effective pedagogical teaching tool that builds rapport between students and teachers. It also reduces anxiety and affective filter as well as increases students’ performance and willingness to communicate in class using their L2 (Azizinezhad & Hashemi, 2011; Banks, 2014; Soares, 2015). Previous studies used humor broadly starting from humorous comments in class to funny TV shows, movies, or songs. Some studies went further using funny memes in class and fewer studies went all the way making students create memes as part of their class requirements (Purnama, 2017). Results of …

Integrating Multiliteracies In A Third Grade Classroom To Enhance Student Engagement And Motivation, Rebecca K. Mcdonough

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study is to investigate the growth in student motivation and engagement through a multiliteracy lens. The specific aim is to explore what happens when a traditional writing unit is replaced with a multiliteracy writing unit that utilizes multimodal components. The students demonstrated changes in how they perceived themselves as writers and how they viewed writing in general. The implications for teaching writing with a multiliteracy approach is also discussed.

International Students’ Perception Of The Development Of Their Digital Academic Writing Identity Based On Their Participation In An Intensive English Language Program, Francesca L. Nesfield

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. economy receives consistent and increasing benefits from international students in higher education, an estimated $41 billion during the 2018-2019 academic year. However, the existing research literature has failed to determine whether Intensive English Language Programs (IELP) adequately prepare these students for college-level composition in digital mediums. The objective of this study is to distinguish the perceptions of how academic digital composition and identity were developed among international students relative to their experiences in an IELP. This dissertation research sought to understand the cultural perspectives of international students around a) their digital writing identity, b) digital composition in academia, …

Supporting Black Children Within A Eurocratic Educational System: Making Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Foundational To The Role Of The Literacy Coach, Jennipher C.K. Frazier

Theses and Dissertations

This critical qualitative study documented what was learned about the process of making culturally relevant teaching foundational to the commitment of a literacy coach while working closely with a kindergarten and first grade teacher for one school year. Critical Race and Black Critical (BlackCrit) theories were the driving theoretical frameworks used to design the study, represent findings, and provide insight into the process of working to make culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) foundational to the role of a literacy coach with a particular focus on supporting the Black child. The methods used to gain knowledge about CRP as foundational to the …

Tutoring In A Liminal Space: Writing Center Tutors' Understandings And Applications Of Translingual And Anti-Racist Practices, Sharada Krishnamurthy

Theses and Dissertations

Despite presenting themselves as supportive, student-centered spaces that help writers and writing at all levels, writing centers, due to their monolingual bias and adherence to "standard" American English (SAE) norms, fail to support and include the language practices of all students, in particular, students of color (Grimm, 2009; Greenfield, 2019; Salem, 2014). To address this problem, the Midlantic writing center embarked on transforming their writing center to a more inclusive and socially just space. This ethno-case study, informed by translanguaging as a critical theory and pedagogy, explored the Midlantic writing center tutors' understanding of translingual and anti-racist practices, and their …

Critical Conversations In A Second-Grade Classroom Using Diverse Literature, Joanne Susan Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the effects of reading diverse texts during SEL morning meeting time and observe how 2nd grade students engage in conversations. Diverse texts were selected related to themes of identity, race, poverty, gender, sexual identity, and gender identity. Data collected included student conversations and journals. After analyzing the data collected, it was found that the inclusion of diverse texts during SEL morning meetings yielded positive results. Students engaged in more personal conversations when they could connect to the text and speak freely, students spoke more when they had control of the conversations, …

Affirming Respect And Kindness Within A Classroom Community Through Discussion And Multicultural Literature, Angelica Gitter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to investigate how students in a third-grade classroom can engage with multicultural texts and learn about cultures that are different from their own. Furthermore, it investigated the impact of multicultural literature on respect and kindness in a classroom community. Throughout the four-week study, students read twelve different multicultural texts and engaged in classroom discussions during Morning Meeting. Students participated in group discussions expressing their ideas, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs related to the context of the books read. The strategies used for this qualitative research were questionnaires, teacher observations, and whole group and small group …

Using Multicultural Texts To Help Shape Student Perceptions Regarding Individual Beliefs And Values While Developing Empathy For Diverse Cultures, Megan N. Karpinski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the effects of multicultural literature in a second grade classroom and how it impacts students' perceptions of other cultures, beliefs and values while showing empathy and acceptance of other cultures. Throughout the study, students read and connected to a variety of multicultural literature. They participated in activities while expressing their own experiences, thoughts and feelings while connecting with the texts. The assessment tools used throughout this study were questionnaires, surveys, observations, interviews, class discussions and student notebooks. Through discussion and analysis of the texts, students were able to make connections while …

Improving Read-Aloud Instruction In An Autism Preschool Classroom, Amanda M. Bruffy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to look at what literacy strategies can be implemented to engage autistic preschool students during read-aloud instruction. Through this qualitative case study, I conducted research to find strategies that would engage my students in a way that is purposeful, effective, and create instruction where students take something meaningful away from the lesson. The research was conducted in a self-contained preschool classroom with a focus on Autism. A teacher's journal, family questionnaire, observational and anecdotal notes were used and collected to analyze data from read-aloud instruction. The data that was collected was analyzed through the …

Using A Cultural Response To Select Multicultural Social Studies Read Alouds In A Kindergarten Classroom, Meredith Shockley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to examine student interactions before, during, and after the reading of multicultural literature in kindergarten during the science and social studies instruction. The texts selected were picked based on information about the students' Funds of Knowledge, family make-up, and culture within the particular classroom. Over the course of two months, five multicultural texts were read aloud and discussed. Recorded book discussions, student drawings, and one-on-one interview questions were used to gather data. After all the data was collected, the following themes became apparent: family connections, diversity, and student engagement. Based on the data, …

Using Targeted, Small-Group Instruction And Culturally Responsive Teaching To Improve Reading Engagement And Confidence, Tina Marie Tuminaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate what happens to reading engagement and student confidence when targeted instruction and culturally responsive teaching is used in a middle school literacy classroom. Individual instruction in the areas of reading comprehension and fluency, as well as book clubs and literature circles, were used over a three-month period in an effort to motivate striving and reluctant readers and build confidence in their reading skills. Eleven sixth grade students participated in the study, and both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Data was collected using a teacher's research journal, audio recordings, surveys, interviews, …

Egyptian Efl Writers’ And Instructors’ Perceptions Of Peer Written Feedback, Ahmed Tarek Shalaby

Theses and Dissertations

The principal aim of this study is to compare between peer feedback (PF) and teacher feedback (TF) as perceived by adult Egyptian L2 writers. That aim is pursued to seal a gap in the literature, which is the inadequacy of that line of research in Egypt, and particularly targeting adult L2 writers. Earlier researchers have urged other researchers to conduct more research in different countries and in different instructional settings. Consequently, the study is guided by four research questions enquiring about general perceptions of PF versus TF, how PF and TF prioritise feedback on writing features, the perceptions of PF …

An Action Research Study On Lms Assessment Tools And Faculty Practice In English Composition Courses Of A Community College, Sophia Mitra

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods action research study aimed to understand the use of LMS assessment tools by faculty teaching English Composition (Eng 101) at a New Jersey Community College in order to increase that use for assessment of outcomes. In spite of administrative push for faculty to use the LMS for data based decision-making, there is still limited use of LMS tools. In writing-intensive fields like Eng 101 grading and feedback could be accelerated along with monitoring student performance on outcomes using LMS assessment tools. Forming a virtual faculty learning committee that collaborated in the study's data collection and analysis, volunteers …

Exploring How Developmental Education Students Make Meaning Of Identity, Competence, And Relationship Building Through Supplemental Instruction: A Grounded Theory Study, Jennifer Gasparino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to explore Supplemental Instruction (SI) beyond its academic purpose, examining how community college developmental education students make meaning of their experience participating in SI. This study focused on how developmental education students experienced identity and competence through SI and examined how these students make meaning of their connections and relationships. Fifteen participants who placed below college-level in English and English Language Proficiency and who were enrolled in at least one college-level course with SI participated in semi-structured interviews and SI group observations. The findings support the need to integrate holistic support …