Digital Commons Network^™

Drama In The Classroom And Improved Academic Performance, Dennis R. Miller Jr.

Dimensions

Educators are generally aware of the importance of using authentic texts reflecting real-world situations in the language classroom. Tarone & Swain (1995) argue that contextualized materials that reflect nonacademic settings are highly beneficial in the language classroom and increase student proficiency. This article examines the effects of using an unedited Nicaraguan play on student self-esteem and motivation by comparing second-semester Spanish classes that performed the play to those that did not. Three very different student environments are examined: a large, primarily White state university; a men’s correctional facility; and a private, historically African- American college. All students involved in the …

An Analysis Of The Teaching Proficiency Through Reading And Storytelling (Tprs) Method, David Alley, Denise Overfield

Dimensions

Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) is a popular method for teaching world languages that largely abandons textbooks and grammatical exercises in favor of short, humorous stories paired with physical movements. This article provides an historical context for the TPRS method, a summary of the method’s procedures, and a description of the current status of the TPRS movement. Finally, the article considers the method in light of recent second language acquisition research in an effort to establish theoretical support for the enthusiastic claims of its proponents. The study reveals that TPRS has more in common with older language teaching …

Technology For Oral Assessment, Patricia Early, Peter B. Swanson

Dimensions

With recent developments in multimedia recording, researchers have begun to investigate the use of technology in oral proficiency assessment. This article addresses the benefits and ease of using seven different multimedia tools to assess P-16 students’ oral language proficiency and compares traditional methods of in-class oral language assessment to out-of-class recordings. Additionally, the authors discuss the potential benefits of using technology to lower students’ affective filter, to provide teachers with a digital portfolio of student progress, and to increase instructional and preparation time.

The National Security Language Initiative And Less Commonly Taught Languages, Elvira Sanatullova-Allison

Dimensions

In response to the events of September 11, 2001, and subsequent international developments, President George W. Bush introduced in 2006 the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI). The NSLI identifies a number of less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) as critical-need foreign languages and aims to further strengthen national security and prosperity in the 21st century by dramatically increasing the number of Americans studying these languages. To achieve this goal, under the direction of the President, various governmental agencies have developed a comprehensive national plan to expand U.S. foreign language education beginning in early childhood and continuing throughout formal schooling and into …

The Belgian Connection, Lisa Signori

Dimensions

The land known today as Belgium is home to many important historical and cultural icons that many associate with France. Charlemagne, Jacques Brel, René Magritte, Georges Simenon, and even the ubiquitous “French” fries, all have an intimate Belgian connection. When one thinks of Francophone cultures, however, the focus normally turns to Africa, Québec, the Caribbean, perhaps Switzerland, but almost never to Belgium. This article presents a cultural unit on French-speaking Belgium that illuminates the country’s linguistic and cultural geography, its history, politics, arts, and gastronomy. In addition to these basic culture capsules, the article offers suggestions for teaching and for …

Languages For The Nation

Dimensions

SCOLT Dimensions Volume 43

The Teacher Work Sample In Foreign Language Education, Marat Sanatullov

Dimensions

Based on a sample WebQuest, the article analyzes how the Teacher Work Sample (TWS) and the preparation of foreign language practitioners can be implemented in light of contemporary theory, research, practices, and expectations for foreign language teaching, learning, and teacher education. The TWS framework emphasizes the integration of contextualized, proficiency-oriented, and assessment-driven communicative tasks, technology, and learners’ multiple intelligences in the classroom.

Technoconstructivism And The Millennial Generation: Creative Writing In The Foreign Language Classroom, Edwina Spodark

Dimensions

The Millennial Generation is different from the generations of foreign language students who have preceded them. In the classroom, Millennial students prefer collaborative learning, the use of technology, a peer review/support/connection, structure, hands-on learning, and opportunities for personal creativity. This contemporary generation needs teachers to adopt a more relevant methodology to reflect their understanding of and respect for the information mindset that students bring to the classroom. Given these traits, the most effective methodology for their learning environment is one that blends the pedagogical practices advocated by social constructivism with the benefits of educational technology that speaks directly to the …

Connecting A Standards-Based Curriculum With Student Performance And Assessment, Rosalie Cheatham

Dimensions

This article presents an approach to revising foreign language course and program assessment so that expectations for student performance and achievement in a standards-based curriculum reflect real-world contexts in which students learn to perform communicative tasks likely to be encountered in the target culture. Recognizing that many students choose to learn only the material that will be tested, this approach provides rationale and techniques to link instruction, practice, and assessment so that students will be motivated to use appropriate language and relevant technology to communicate on a variety of topics applicable to the target culture. Developing assessments that reflect accurately …

Instructional Models And Strategies For Language Acquisition And Literacy, Sheri Ann Ruiz

All Graduate Projects

This study introduces research that shows the most effective teaching models and strategies for language acquisition for students whose primary language is not English in the United States; although most of the research and suggestions presented are also effective for teaching all students, regardless of the student's language level. First, a short background of the history of bilingual education is reviewed. Then, the language domains and various stages oflanguage acquisition are explained. Later, an overview of the research of the most effective teaching models and strategies are provided to inform preschool through 12th grade classroom teachers, Para educators (teaching assistants), …

A Model For The Integration Of Writing Across Fourth Reading Curriculum, Barbara Mae Truchon

All Graduate Projects

The evidence from the literature review points to the challenge students of Washington State face today. Reading and writing are the key components in all content areas students are required to learn in today's schools. The challenge for educators is to provide reading and writing instruction that will enable our students to become proficient in the skills they need to pass high stakes assessments like the WASL and become productive members of our ever changing global society. This project presents a model of integrating writing to learn strategies into the reading curriculum. A discussion of the rationale supporting this model …

The Effects Of The Partnerships In Comprehensive Literacy Model In Narrowing The Achievement Gap For First Graders In A High Poverty School, Barbara M. Head

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of the Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy (PCL) school improvement model in narrowing the achievement gap for first graders in a high poverty school over a three-year period. The study compared the academic progress of first grade students from a PCL high poverty school with first grade students from a non-PCL high poverty school. A cross sectional study with quantitative data, analyzed with a parametric statistical test (ANOVA), was used to evaluate these factors. The research objectives focused on studying the effects of the Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy (PCL) model in …

Turning Today’S Students Into Tomorrow’S Stars, Aleidine Kramer Moeller, Janine Theiler, Silvia Betta

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

Selected Papers from the 2008 Central States Conference

Adeiline J. Moeller, Editor

Janine Theiler, Assistant Editor

Silvia Betta, Assistant Editor

1 The Important Work of Engaging Our 21st Century Learners — Toni Theisen

2 A Model for Teaching Cross-Cultural Perspectives — Susan M. Knight

3 The Stealth Approach to Critical Thinking in Beginning Spanish Classes — Deanna H. Mihaly

4 Teaching About the French Heritage of the Midwest — Randa Duvick

5 Integrating Russian Cuisine with Russian Language and Culture Classes — Marat Sanatullov

6 Preparing a Fotonovela in the Foreign Language Classroom — Carol Eiber

7 Engaging Students through …

Primary Teachers' Knowledge And Knowledge Calibration Of Early Literacy Practices, Tami Al-Hazza, Charlene Fleener, Jane Hager

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This research design was based on the knowledge calibration work by Cunningham, Perry, Stanovich, and Stanovich (2004). One hundred and forty-one full time teachers participated in a four day professional development workshop on research-based reading instruction. Participants were administered a three-part survey comprised of 1) demographic information 2) knowledge calibration items measuring perceived understanding of phonics, phonological awareness, and syllabication and 3) phonics pretest published in Self-Paced Phonics: A Text for Educators (2005). There were statistically significant differences between participants who rated their knowledge as high and those who rated their knowledge as low on the phonological and phonics items. …

Mexican Immigrant Parents' Beliefs And Practices Related To Literacy, Pamela M. Spurgeon

Education Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the literacy practices and beliefs exhibited by immigrant parents of Mexican descent in Oregon. The researcher collected data using a questionnaire and examined the correlation between generational differences of immigrants and respondents' beliefs and practices regarding reading and writing. From the survey sample, the researcher selected 5 representative families for observations and interviews to further explore how literacy is practiced in Mexican immigrant families' homes and daily lives. The belief regarding whether or not children begin learning before they go to school generated the most disagreement amongst participants. Data correlating acculturation and …

Teaching Cultural Prototypes And Detecting Prototypical Errors Of L2 Learners, Tina Bennett Mowrey

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The focus of this study is the problem of first language (L1) transfer of cultural prototypes to specific L2 lexical items. This paper will provide a method for identifying and understanding cultural nuances in the meaning of words during the process of learning. An explanation of the learning process will be presented and the iconic or the prototypical level of cross-cultural communication will be analyzed. The APP will present a teaching approach on how to ascertain the L1 cultural prototypes being transferred to specific L2 lexical items. How to negotiate the meaning of these cultural prototypes of lexical items will …

Effects Of An Interactive Approach To Word Study Versus A Traditional Spelling Approach, Rhonda Rook

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, spelling instruction in many classrooms has consisted of the rote memorization of words and rules with little connection to the application of these items in reading and writing. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of the Rook Fourth Grade Word Study Curriculum on students' improvement in word knowledge, usage, and the application of those skills to writing. Data collection included student pretest and posttest assessments of spelling and writing. In addition, teacher perceptions regarding the influence of an interactive word study curriculum on student achievement and instructional practices were investigated by means of open-ended questionnaires …

Using Creative Writing Instruction In The Urban High School English Classroom To Promote Writing Skills In Remedial Level Students, Maureen Harrison

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The purpose of this research is to investigate the value of creative writing instruction for increasing the literacy of remedial students in urban High School English classes. Students who are placed in remedial level classes often have preconceived negative feelings concerning their ability to produce academic writing. As I later discuss through the research of Debra Holmes Matthews, John A. Daly and Michael D. Miller, these preconceived notions impact the motivation and educational experience of remedial level students. In my research I will examine the ability of creative writing to motivate struggling student writers and help to improve specific writing …

The Impact Of The “Universal Voyager Literacy” Reading Program On Reading Achievement And Instructional Practices In An Urban School District, Shanika L. Hope

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Studies

Founded in 1994, Voyager Expanded Learning is a provider of K-3 in-school reading programs, as well as K-8 reading intervention programs for school districts throughout the United States. Voyager Universal Literacy's systematic, precise framework fully addresses the five elements of reading instruction, through an explicit succession of ability growth. Voyager Universal Literacy was developed to be a comprehensive program encompassing the subsequent requisites: in-school broad reading program, progress monitoring methods, extensive-day and summer activities, home learning syllabus, implementation monitoring, and on-going professional development. Voyager Universal Literacy Program activities are organized to provide a thorough range and progression for reading instruction. …

Literacy Education In School : Research Perspectives From The Past, For The Future, Peter Freebody

Australian Education Review

AER 52 aims to expand our understanding of the nature of literacy at a time when public and private lives have become increasingly literacy-dependent, and literacy demands more complex and sophisticated. This review of the research literature is guided by the view that what passes for effective literacy education will differ depending on language, culture, history and the technologies of communication and knowledge production. Section 1 describes the large body of research relating to the teaching and learning of literacy that emerges from a wide range of discipline bases. It details the complexities associated with defining literacy, and it outlines …

Web-Based Language Portfolios And The Five C'S: Implementation In Intermediate- And Advanced-Level Foreign Language College Classrooms, Jane Blyth Warren

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Web-based portfolios serve as authentic assessment in the foreign language curriculum when organized around the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning. Portfolios align curriculum and assessment with the standards, ensuring that student learning and progress follow these standards. Web-based portfolios enhance student learning by integrating the learning of culture with the learning of the target language. In web-based language portfolios, students create individual web pages for each of the standards. These standards were developed as guidelines for the teaching of foreign language and culture in the United States. Questions for this study included whether students perceived that web-based language portfolios …

Class Indifference - A Divided Nation : Finding Common Ground Through American Pragmatism And Democratic Principles In The Composition Classroom, Stacey L. Morrison

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Social class plays a significant but often silent part in American politics, lives, and education. As the events of Hurricane Katrina clearly illustrate, the poor and working class often suffer discrimination that leaves them completely powerless. Their position in life shapes not only how they are seen and treated, but also how they see their world. Their cultures differ markedly from middle and upper class cultures, further alienating them from possible greater personal achievement in a system that champions middle-class values. Education, being a microcosm of our society, mirrors our class conflicts, often failing to teach working-class students in an …

Ncssfl’S Linguafolio Project, Jacque Bott Van Houten

Dimensions

On a Goethe-Institut-sponsored trip to Germany in 2001, world language consultants (a term that has now replaced that of supervisor) of several state departments of education were so inspired by the potential for improving and recording student learning they saw in using the European Language Portfolio that they immediately set about to create a similar tool for American students. This effort resulted in the self-assessment, reflective-learning tool, LinguaFolio. Five states—Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia— are now collaborating to orient teachers to LinguaFolio and guide them in its use. The first part of this article describes the five-state …

From Practice To Profession

Dimensions

SCOLT Dimensions Volume 42

Misperceptions Of Attitudes Toward Language Study, Carolyn Gascoigne

Dimensions

This study provides a glimpse into the attitudes of current incoming college freshmen toward foreign language study and language requirements, as well as practicing teachers’ beliefs about their students’ opinions of and reasons for foreign language study. The results demonstrate that language educators tend to misdiagnose students’ attitudes and beliefs and that educators place an undue emphasis on instrumental types of motivation for foreign language study.

Representation Of Latino Culture In Introductory High School Textbooks, Patricia Thomas

Dimensions

As Latinos continue to be the fastest growing racial minority group in the U.S., the many dimensions of Latino culture have become increasingly important as elements of the Spanish language curriculum. This study focuses on textbooks as a major resource in cultural instruction, examining how Latinos and Latino culture are represented in Spanish textbooks at the introductory level. In general, the Latino presence in the U.S. is presented as an important part of the Spanishspeaking world. Historical context regarding how specific Latino communities were established is sometimes limited, as is discussion of certain current economic, political, and identity issues. A …

Maya And Nahuatl In The Teaching Of Spanish: Expanding The Professional Perspective, Anne Fountain, Catherine Fountain

Dimensions

Indigenous languages of the Americas are spoken by millions of people 500 years after the initial period of European conquest. The people who speak these languages and the customs they continue to practice form a rich cultural texture in many parts of Spanish America and can be important components of an instructor’s Standards-based teaching. This article discusses the influence of Maya and Nahuatl languages and cultures on the language, literature, and history of Mexico and Central America. Examples of this influence range from lexical and phonological traits of Mexican Spanish to the indigenous cultures and worldviews conveyed in texts as …

Integrating Stories With Multimedia Into The French Language Classroom, Marat Sanatullov, Elvira Sanatullova-Allison

Dimensions

Standards, proficiency, theory and research, and instructional approaches can guide teachers in integrating stories with multimedia in a foreign language classroom, as the authors demonstrate through the adaptation of a Haitian folk story for novice and intermediate learners of French. The article also gives practical recommendations for foreign language teachers to help them effectively integrate stories with multimedia in their classrooms and introduces the PEPPrepare, Explore, and Practice–model, which defines the essential steps of the use of stories with multimedia.

A 21st Century Approach To Integrating Culture And Communication, Rosalie M. Cheatham

Dimensions

This article presents an approach to revising classroom instruction in order to integrate the second language standards of culture and communication throughout the second language program. It is designed to assure that today’s students are able not only to survive linguistically in the target culture but also to develop cultural awareness and to appreciate its importance for them as world citizens. Guided by some of the principles of the theoretical framework of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Integrated Performance Assessment (Glisan, Adair-Hauck, Koda, Sandrock, &Swender, 2003), this approach enables students to acquire culturally relevant knowledge …

Stimulating Reading Excitement In Secondary Level English Language Learners, Rachael J. Schweigert

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this paper is to examine how ESL teachers can stimulate reading excitement in secondary level English language learners. The current research about factor which affect reading enjoyment in secondary level English language learners will also be discussed. These factors include element in reading instruction, attitudes toward reading, readability of text, interest level in literature, and availability of meaningful literature. Current research regarding applications that can be used in classrooms will also be reviewed, such as reading models and reading strategies. Based on the results of this research, suggestions will be presented regarding literature that can be used …