Digital Commons Network^™

Breathing In Two Languages: Inclusive Sel For Multilingual Learners, Mylia Briggs, Monica Gonzalez Smith

Journal of English Learner Education

As multilingual learners (MLs) represent the fastest-growing student demographic in U.S. public schools, educators face increasing pressure to support these students’ academic and socio-emotional needs. Traditional social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks often align with Eurocentric norms and overlook the cultural and linguistic assets of MLs. This action research self-study investigates a third-grade teacher’s implementation of culturally responsive, equity-oriented SEL (CRSEL) practices in an urban public school in Hawai‘i. Through adapted SEL lessons centered on gratitude, students engaged in activities that integrated home languages, cultural traditions, and identity-affirming practices. Findings reveal three key themes: self-awareness as validating and emancipatory, social awareness as …

Dual Or Full Immersion - What Do Wida Access Scores Reveal Might Work Best For Primary Grade Ell Students?, Charla D. Chailland, Lori Gumbert-Harris

Journal of English Learner Education

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the academic performance of primary-grade English Language Learner (ELL) students attending Dual Immersion programs compared to their ELL peers in Full Immersion programs. This Indiana study employed a quasi-experimental design for non-equivalent control groups and analyzed three years of WIDA ACCESS assessment scores in reading, writing, and Overall English Proficiency. Archived test results from ELL students who attended one of 12 qualifying Dual Immersion programs were compared to the scores of ELL students who attended one of 12 comparable Full Immersion programs. Results were analyzed by grade level (K-3) and demographic …

Effectiveness Of Pre-Service Teachers’ Service Learning With English Language Learners Via Zoom, Donita Grissom, Padideh Fattahi Marnani, Sophie Cuocci, Irina Mclaughlin

Journal of English Learner Education

This study investigates service-learning experiences for university students in a teacher certification program, explored through the lens of sociocultural theory. Data was collected from pre-service teachers (PST) involved in service learning conducted virtually using Zoom with Vietnamese pre-service teachers. Data was in the form of surveys, which included short reflections and yes/no responses. Findings show that the service-learning program allowed PST to have the opportunity to apply the strategies learned in their coursework with ELs and increased their sense of preparation as a result. Pre-service teachers reported the service-learning communities of practice to be beneficial for their ELs. Implications highlight …

Transdisciplinarity Through A Functional Approach In The Content Areas: Commonalities For School Teachers, Karen L. Terrell, Luciana C. De Oliveira, Jia Gui

Journal of English Learner Education

In 2020, the WIDA Consortium released a revised English language development standards framework that integrates a functional approach to language development, grounded in systemic functional linguistics, across core subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Central to this framework are four Key Language Uses—Narrate, Inform, Explain, and Argue. While this holistic approach is promising, it poses challenges for elementary and middle-grade teachers and ESOL specialists, who often teach multiple subjects. To ensure all teachers can implement this approach effectively, the integration of functional language must be simplified for generalist instructors. This article explores how identifying linguistic commonalities across …

The Key To Acquiring The Language Of Law, Science, And Technology In The Esl College Classroom, Patricia George-Hunter

Journal of English Learner Education

Since vocabulary plays a significant role in second language acquisition, expansive vocabulary targets should be set and pursued. This paper explores the results of introducing affixes to develop vocabulary and increase motivation for beginner to intermediate-level English language learners (ELLs) pursuing academic disciplines in law, science, and technology at a New York City community college. Participants included 23 ELLs with diverse linguistic, educational, and sociocultural backgrounds enrolled in an online synchronous Integrative Language Seminar (ILS) designed to develop all areas of English language proficiency. Pre‑, post‑, delayed tests, questionnaires, and post‑intervention interviews were conducted and analyzed to establish the language …

Exploring Language Through Systemic Functional Linguistics: Importance Of Communicating And Developing Academic Language For Multilingual Learners, Yana Shifrina-Piljovin

Journal of English Learner Education

Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a comprehensive theory of language that offers a unique perspective on how we use language to communicate and create meaning. SFL provides educators with a powerful theoretical framework for understanding how language functions in various contexts and how this knowledge can be applied to enhance classroom instruction. Developed by linguist Michael Halliday in the 1960s, SFL has become an influential framework for understanding linguistic metafunctions, from everyday conversations to academic discourse. The "systemic" aspect of SFL refers to the idea that language is a network of systems, each offering a set of choices for expressing …

The Benefit Of Qualified English Language Teachers In Non-English-Speaking Countries, Tina M. Allen-Abulhassan

Journal of English Learner Education

Abstract

This study explores the impact of qualified English language teachers on English Language Learners (ELLs) in their home countries, assessing how English language instruction can enhance their preparedness for higher education in Western universities. The need for effective English language education is underscored by the scarcity of qualified ESL instructors, which leaves L2 learning ill-equipped for academic success. Utilizing Vygotsky’s social development theory, particularly the Zone of Proximal Development, this research examines the role of social interactions with qualified native speakers in fostering language proficiency and academic achievement. The literature review highlights significant barriers ELLs face, including inadequate teaching …

Equity In Action: Transformative Leadership And Anti-Racist Praxis In Canadian K-12 Schools, Ayodeji Osiname

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

This paper examines how Canadian K-12 schools, amidst growing diversity, have historically marginalized certain student groups, perpetuating inequities. It explores the roles of school principals in reversing these trends and creating inclusive, equitable, and safe environments for all. The paper uses two theoretical frameworks—Transformative Leadership theory and Anti-Racist theory—to guide principals in fostering inclusive school cultures. The synergies and distinctions between these frameworks are analyzed to advocate for an integrated approach. Together, these frameworks provide a comprehensive lens for school leadership. School leaders must engage in self-reflection, collaboration, and resilience to cultivate social justice-oriented school cultures. The integration of Transformative …

Ethical Adoption Of Ai-Based Tools In Higher Education Institutions (Heis), Tatjana Titareva, Paul Mabrey Iii

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

This study emphasizes the importance of ethical and human-centered leadership in the adoption of AI-based Early Alert Systems (EAS) in higher education. It argues for leadership that is mindful of system-level risks and ethical considerations in utilizing AI tools for student retention and administrative efficiency. The research fills a gap by identifying key leadership skills, qualities, and responsibilities necessary for the ethical adoption of AI tools. Through qualitative analysis with the help of focus groups, the study highlights the need for supportive and authentic leadership that engages stakeholders ethically, addresses equity, inclusion, data privacy, and mitigates the psychological impacts of …

Exploring The Experiences Of Three Saudi Mothers Returning To Saudi With Their Bilingual Children, Fatimah H. Almuthibi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative interview study explored the experiences of three Saudi mothers who returned to Saudi Arabia with their bilingual children after living with their children in English-speaking countries for educational and academic purposes. Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory is the theory that served as the guiding framework for the study, shaping the direction of the study and informing both the analysis and discussion of the data. The purpose of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of this unique phenomenon and to address a gap in the existing literature since there are very few studies that focus on the post-return experience …

Exploring Health Care Professionals’ Perceptions Of Live Actor Avatar And Ai Avatar Simulated Patient Interactions, Leslie Rippon, Lorene Cobb, Marcia Downer, Alicia Mcgregor, Natalie Neubauer, Lauren Snowdon, Genevieve Zipp

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: The increasing use of simulation in health care and advancing capabilities of virtual technology have increased the use of virtual avatars. Recently, the development of large language models has created an opportunity for virtual reality (VR) simulation through combination of VR and artificial intelligence (AI). This study sought to evaluate the perception of authenticity in prerecorded virtual simulated patient interactions using two different avatar platforms: AI avatar and live actor avatar.

Methods: Participants included 41 health professionals with patient care experience, of which 32 completed the post experience survey. Using a repeated measures mixed methods research design allowed …

Cultural Aspects Of The Use And Preservation Of Linguistic Heritage: The Impact Of Bilingualism On Identity And Social Integration Bilingualism And Its Influence On Albanians In The Diaspora, Migena Arllati

UBT International Conference

This study aimed to investigate the influence of proficiency in two or more languages on forming individual identity and social integration. To achieve this goal, a methodology was employed that was based on an analysis of the cultural aspects of bilingualism and an exploration of strategies for preserving cultural values in a linguistic environment. The article delved into the cultural facets of bilingualism in detail, specifically strategies for preserving linguistic heritage and the interaction between ethnic groups in multilingual settings. The paper also considered multinational marriages as one aspect that influences cultural heritage and bilingualism. Multinational marriages can contribute to …

From Kahoot To Chatgpt: Student Perceptions Of Edtech And Ai In English Language Learning Motivation, Lisjeta Thaqi, Asra Ramaxhiku

UBT International Conference

In the age of artificial intelligence and digital education, understanding how students respond to technology in the classroom has become increasingly important. This study explores the perceptions of middle and high school students regarding the impact of educational technology (EdTech) and AI-powered tools on their motivation to learn English as a foreign language (EFL). Conducted in a private school in Mitrovica, Kosovo, the study surveyed 130 students from grades 6 to 12 using a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The survey focused on commonly used tools such as Kahoot, YouTube, Grammarly, Duolingo, and ChatGPT. The findings aim to reveal …

International Conference On Education And Development, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Empowering Inclusive English Language Learning Through Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities And Challenges For Students With Specific Learning Difficulties, Alma Lama, Duli Pllana, Zohaib Hassan Sain

UBT International Conference

Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration into English language education transforms classroom instruction methods specifically for students who have Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs), including dyslexia, ADHD and language processing disorders. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, which includes both systematic literature review findings and qualitative data obtained from classroom observations, together with teacher interviews in inclusive English language settings. The research investigates how artificial intelligence tools, such as intelligent tutoring systems and speech-to-text technologies, and adaptive language learning platforms, are used to create personalized instruction and support cognitive and linguistic development. AI tools deliver customized adaptations that help students with dyslexia decode …

Pre-Service Teacher Perceptions Of Preparedness: Collaboration With Diverse Families Of Children With Disabilities, Guofeng Shen, Sandy Bowen

Journal of Educational Research and Innovation

Collaboration between educators and families is a critical issue in the field of education. This topic becomes even more salient when working with culturally, linguistically, or economically diverse families of children with disabilities. Both research and practice have shown that many educators enter the profession without adequate preparation for this aspect of their role. This study examined pre-service teachers' attitudes, comfort level and perceived preparedness to collaborate with diverse families of children with disabilities while completing their university teacher preparation programs. A total of 159 pre-service teachers representing 40 institutions completed an online survey addressing this topic. Results indicated a) …

Book Review Of To Save And To Destroy: Writing As An Other, Nguyen H B Le

Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement

Viet Thanh Nguyen’s To Save and to Destroy is a collection of his Norton lectures where he uses his generational stories of continuous immigration throughout Vietnam and the United States to explore how writing, with both internal and external experiences, shape our own identities, and forces that come into oppression, silence, and Otherness. In other words, the book depicts how he himself is seen from multiple others: “the Vietnamese, the Asian, the minoritized, the racialized, the colonized, the hybrid, the hyphenated, the refugee, the displaced, the artist, the writer, the smart ass, the bastard, the sympathizer, and the committed” (p. …

On The Influence Of British/American English In The Dominican Society/A Revisited Edition, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic., Ivanna Del Pilar Tavarez Vasquez Mag.

FDLA Journal

The present work is a historical/linguistic account of an unprecedented fact regarding the existence of two English Speaking Communities [British English and American English], in our country the Dominican Republic, where Spanish is the official and most used language, to the extent of being considered a monolingual nation or country. It is analyzed here, on how the Hispaniola Island was split into two different territories due to different treaties (Aranjuez, Ryswick, among others), held in the old European Metropolis and how the island came to be a French Colony (the territory of what is Haiti now), a Haitian Creole/French speaking …

Artificial Intelligence In The Efl Learning Process For Dominican Higher Education, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic., Ivanna Del Pilar Tavarez Vasquez Mag.

FDLA Journal

This research work, explores the important incidence that Artificial Intelligence has have in the development of modern higher education and education at all in our country, the Dominican Republic, before, during, and after the Sanitary Emergence brought by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Through this Documentary Research, we examine in details the case of the Dominican Republic as compared to those cases occurred in the international arena, as a means for reflection and understanding of this phenomena called Artificial Intelligence on its different modalities since Computerizing and Internet changed our lives, decades ago. It is the purpose of this work to bring …

Translanguaging Within The Scope Of Dominican Pre-College And College Education, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic., Ivanna Del Pilar Tavarez Vasquez Mag.

FDLA Journal

Our country, which is today the Dominican Republic, is a Spanish speaking country due to the historical and well known fact that the then Hispaniola Island or Santo Domingo was split into two different colonies by effect of the Aranjuez Treaty (1777), held between the two Colonial Metropolis of Spain and France thus establishing the French occupation of the territory of Haiti to the West and the Spanish territory to the East, and producing therefore the establishing of two different countries with two different languages (Spanish and French), in a land (Quisqueya) in which in pre-Colombian times was occupied by …

Analyzing The Pisa Tests Results (2018) In Terms Of The Revised Bloom’S Taxonomy For The Spanish Reading-Comprehension Area Of Dominican Students., Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic.

FDLA Journal

This work aims to analyze the Results of the PISA Tests for the year 2018 in the Dominican Republic as subministered every three year by the OECD presided over by Dr. Andreas Schleicher, and that it is long awaited both for the Ministry of Education-MINERD-, and as well as for the non-governmental society and the opposition parties, among others. This scenario which is not exclusively of our country puts on the table many questioning as that of, if the country shall continue as part of that program on the light that such testings have been hardly criticized in more developed …

Sociolinguistics Approaches In Efl Teaching Methods For Dominican College Students, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic.

FDLA Journal

This work is concerned with the effects or pedagogical influences of the so-called Sociolinguistics Approaches on Dominican College education, specifically at three groups of advanced EFL Classes at the State College, that is to say the Universidad Autonoma of Santo Domingo-UASD-, during the last virtual and first semester of this year (2021-1), as a part of the Core Curriculum of the said institution. The emphasis was placed in determining how certain currents of the like had have a considerable influence in both the teacher’s population as well as that of the students, resulting with not a new discovery, that Constructivism …

A Case Study On The Use Of Spelling As A Determining Factor In Teaching English Grammar In Dominican Schools, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic.

FDLA Journal

English spelling has always been described by many language researchers and teachers as a daunting task especially for learners whose first language is not English. This monograph presents the report of an investigation on the use of spelling, which includes the determining factor of grammar in the teaching of English, in it we will develop a program for observing students and teachers as an initial assessment, (pretest) and the design of the development of said observation as a final evaluation (posttest). This observation was made with the total of 28 students of the sixth grade of Primary School Nuestra Señora …

Language Immersion Programs For Dominican College Students/From The Russian Experience To The Mescyt Experience, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr.

FDLA Journal

The following work consists of a comparative research of two of the most outstanding immersion programs for foreign languages (Russian/English) that Dominican college students have ever undergone. The first one, happened decades ago in the cold distant Union of Soviet Socialist Republic where thousands of our students were sent as scholarship’s recipient to study in different Russian universities, after being selected by the Dominican Communist Party, and sponsored by the Soviet Government. The second one, is still happening in our country with the offering of the so-called English Immersion Program sponsored since 2005 by the Ministry of Higher Education-MESCyT- The …

Translanguaging Within The Context Of Dominican College Pedagogy, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic.

FDLA Journal

Since the democratic opening of the country (the Dominican Republic), in past decades and the subsequent phenomena of Worldalization, Globalization and the Influences of the Knowledge Society and Computerization, our society and with it the national educational system at all levels has been undergoing a series of changes and influences not ignored in the order for the teachings of foreign languages in our institutions of higher education and specifically at the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo-UASD- In addition to the social, economic and political phenomena mentioned above, there are also the migrations of millions of Dominicans to mostly to the …

Globalization, Foreign Languages And National Identity In The Dominican Republic, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr.

FDLA Journal

Due to the fact of the transformation of the Dominican economy, jumping from a rural, sugar cane exporting-country to a more diverse economy, based in four pillars: The Remittance of US Dollars of Dominicans living in America, the Tourism Industry, the Duty-free Industrial Parks and the Major League Base-ball Players and Academies, it is not difficult to imagine that English has been the language par excellence behind those advancements. Those socio-political facts besides the phenomenon of globalization have had a tremendous impact in popularizing this language with the correspondent academic impact of modernizing and reforming our national curriculum, for both …

Methodological Discrepancies In The Teaching/Assessment Process Of Efl At The High School Level In The Dominican Public System, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr.

FDLA Journal

Discrepancies between the processes of Teaching and Assessment of English of the Middle Level. Dr. Pedro Tavárez DaCosta: 2016. Freelance Researcher, for the Regional Office of Education 11-02 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Teacher's Evaluation / Evaluation Criteria / Summative and Formative Evaluation / Program for Evaluation Improvement in Language Teaching. This research work consisted in the implementation of a plan in which, by way of treatment, it was possible to improve the levels of assessment competences of the foreign language, of the non-qualified teachers of English of the middle level, Districts 11-01 and 11-02 of the Regional of Education …

Of Standardized Student Measurements And Tests In The Dominican Republic, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic.

FDLA Journal

The present work seeks to establish a comparison between two different and distant evaluation tools applied to the Dominican student population in order to measure the efficiency of our educational system in the recent years, one of them measured the quality of Dominican education in three areas (the PISA Test), whereas the other tested the quality of the proficiency of the English language (EF English Proficiency Index), both for the pre-college levels. Although one of our cherished ideas was our having analyzed such tests of extreme relevance for us, the EFL Teachers and Professors at many different levels, as the …

Methodological Discrepancies In The Teaching/Assessment Process Of Efl At The High School Level In The Dominican Public System, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr.

FDLA Journal

Discrepancies between the processes of Teaching and Assessment of English of the Middle Level. Dr. Pedro Tavárez DaCosta: 2016. Freelance Researcher, for the Regional Office of Education 11-02 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Teacher's Evaluation / Evaluation Criteria / Summative and Formative Evaluation / Program for Evaluation Improvement in Language Teaching. This research work consisted in the implementation of a plan in which, by way of treatment, it was possible to improve the levels of assessment competences of the foreign language, of the non-qualified teachers of English of the middle level, Districts 11-01 and 11-02 of the Regional of Education …

Effectiveness Of The G-T Method In Efl Monolingual Adult Classes At Private Institutes In The City Of Puerto Plata, D.R, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr.

FDLA Journal

The goal of this research is to determine the effectiveness of Grammar -Translation Method on EFL adult learners. The sample of this investigation was based on 30 graduated students as a universe and a sample of 15 which represent the 50% in which 9 of them were female who represent the 60% and 6 male who represent the 40% from Impact Languages Institute. The research used random sampling process to lead this investigation. The findings of this research indicated that there is a positive Correlation between the usage of Grammar Translation Method and both female and male EFL learners. This …