Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons^™

Community-Based English Course In Local Perspectives, Ratchaporn Rattanaphumma

EDU-COM International Conference

The paper aims to investigate how a community-based English language course can assist learners in the development of language skills and local cultural knowledge. The samples were 17 undergraduate English major students in Faculty of Education, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University. The qualitative method was mainly employed in the study. Data were collected through unstructured interviews and participant observation. The strategies used in data analysis were analytic induction and typological analysis. The findings revealed that motivation, experiential learning, and collaboration played significant roles in the process of language and culture learning. The paper also discusses the significance of local perspectives when the …

English Learning Support For Working Staff: A Case Study Of Bimonthly Bilingual Posters For Staff Working In An Academic University, Suthee Ploisawaschai

EDU-COM International Conference

The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of providing English learning support for non-academic staff working in King Mongkut‘s University of Technology Thonburi. Staffs working in fields other than academia lack an opportunity to practice English. To do this, a series of bimonthly bilingual poster called KMUTT: I‘m Learning English was proposed. First released in March, the posters appeared twice a month in restrooms and elevators, as well as on the website. They covered such topics as news, fables, and conversations at work, sayings, and trivia. The researcher examined the impacts of this approach by surveying staff …

Why We Need More Aboriginal Adults Working With Aboriginal Students, Damien Howard

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The culturally shaped communicative context of classrooms has been documented to be an important influence on social and educational outcomes for Indigenous students. There is increasing evidence that it may be a critical factor in the outcomes of Indigenous students with conductive hearing loss (CHL) during their school years. This article describes research that explores social and educational disadvantage associated with conductive hearing loss in two remote schools with wholly Indigenous class groups taught in English by non-indigenous teachers.

Children's Efl Motivation: An Investigation Of 7-12 Year Old Students In Training Schools In China, Daosheng Liao

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

English training schools in China are a new EFL phenomenon and infromation about EFL for 7-12 year old students is also new. There appears to be little research done regarding their motivation to learn EFL, and this constitutes a gap in theory addressing this area. This research attempts to fill the gap by investigating the factors that affect the motivation of learners in this age group. Questionnaires wers administered to 200 students and the responses were analysed to establish the motivational factors associated with learning English in training schools in Xi'an, China.

Reading Comprehension, And Attitude And Behaviour, Of Students Taught Esl By Cooperative Learning In Prathom (Grade)6 Classrooms In Thailand, Sutaporn Chayarathee

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

A system-wide educational change has been implemented in primary, secondary and tertiary education in Thailand. One major aspect of the change was the requirement for all students from grade I onwards to study English as a second language (ESL). The change requires new methods of teaching and learning, such as cooperative learning, to be introduced in Thai ESL classrooms. This study aims to determine if cooperative learning improves English reading comprehension, and attitude and behaviour to learning ESL, compared to a Thai communicative methodology. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 involved creating a linear scale of English …

Boys' Perceptions And Experiences Of Their Placement In A Secondary School Remedial Program : An Examination Of Self-Esteem, Attitude, Motivation And Reading Achievement, Angela Milmoe

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Remedial EngIish education has long focused on the development of students reading and writing skills, but research suggests that greater emphasis may need to be placed on affective factors such as self-esteem, motivation, attitude and perception. The influence of such 'non-cognitive' factors on any adolescent student's literacy development is often underestimated. For students experiencing difficulties in literacy, the interaction between perceived ability of degree of success in literacy and the affective factors often impact negatively on self-esteem, attitude and motivation. The relationship between self-esteem, attitude, perception, motivation and literacy needs to be explored, especially when dealing with students with literacy …

Why Indigenous Issues Are An Essential Component Of Teacher Education Programs, Gary Partington

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The extensive failure of Indigenous students in school, particularly during adolescence, is a shameful characteristic of Australian education. Students who have most to gain from a successful school experience are the most likely to leave school with minimal skills and qualifications. The situation has shown little improvement over 30 years, as evidenced by the repetitious nature of articles in, for example, The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education. Government inquiries into Indigenous education, especially those addressing issues such as attendance (Bourke, Rigby & Burden, 2000), identity (Purdy, Tripcony, Boulton-Lewis, Fanshawe & Gunstone, 2000) and achievement (Department of Education, Training and Youth …

A Pilot Study To Test The Effectiveness Of Education Queensland's 'Schooling 2001' Project From The Lote Teachers' Point Of View., Margaret Murphy, Cristina Poyatos-Matas.

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The study described in this article, uncovered the realities and expectations of computer use by Languages Other Than English (LOTE) teachers in language classrooms in state high and primary schools in metropolitan Brisbane. The expectations of LOTE teachers concerning computer use by teachers are listed as part of the Education Queensland initiative called 'Schooling 2001', implemented in 1997. This bold, generously funded three year project had, as one of its major goals, the improvement of computer technology skills and professional development in the teaching workforce. It had, as part of its blueprint, the stipulation that all teachers across the state …

Developing Classroom Discourse With Aboriginal Literacy Learners, Lee Simpson, Susan Clancy

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Literacy theorists Freire and Macedo (1987) linked literacy success with the ability to ‘read the world’ before being able to ‘read the word’. This ability is critical for young learners to navigate the transitional phase from their home culture into new education based settings. Such transitions are particularly difficult for young Aboriginal learners, who need to adjust to a range of different experiences, demands and expectations relating to their cultural, language and social skills. Research has clearly shown that Aboriginal learners are a group that generally, will not succeed in the area of literacy and who are at greatest risk …

"Watch This Spot And Whose In It" : Creating Space For Indigenous Educators?, Patricia M. Johnston

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Within Aotearoa/New Zealand, a bicultural relationship between Maori and Pakeha has produced a number of initiatives that are striving to be more inclusive of Maori needs, interests and language within the education system. The education system is attempting to ‘create space’ for Maori to be more proactively involved in decision-making forums with the integration of Maori knowledge and practices also occurring in areas like policy, research and teaching.

Number Sense In Urban Aboriginal Primary Students, Kathryn J. Lyon

Theses : Honours

This paper examines the number sense of urban Aboriginal primary students attending school in Perth. The subjects were asked to complete a test designed to assess their number sense, which has been defined as "[a] propensity for and an ability to use numbers and quantitative methods as a means of communicating, processing and interpreting information" (McIntosh, Reys, Reys, Bana & Farrell, 1997, p. 61). It involves an intuitive understanding about numbers and how to use them in practical ways. Some subjects were also interviewed, so that a greater understanding of their number sens8 could be gained. It was found that …

Aboriginal Parental Involvement In Early Childhood Education, Rosalyn M. Frecker

Theses : Honours

Aboriginal parent and community participation in the education process has been identified as a priority for educators of Aboriginal children in Western Australia. The priority is one strategy aimed at addressing the inequity of student outcomes for Aboriginal children. This study set out to investigate the opinions of school staff and Aboriginal parents regarding the opportunity for, and value of Aboriginal parental involvement in the education process. Also, similarities and differences of opinion between school staff and parents were identified and discussed. The study employed qualitative methodology and included triangulation for internal validity. Semi-structured interview schedules were used to collect …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Characteristics Of Effective Teachers Of Aboriginal Middle School Students, Mort Harslett, Bernard Harrison, John Godfrey, Gary Partington, Kaye Richer

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper reports a component of research that involved interviewing teachers identified as effective with Aboriginal students in selected primary and secondary schools in urban and regional Western Australia. The research shows that characteristics of effective teachers include understanding Aboriginal culture, history, and students’ home backgrounds; an ability to develop good relationships with Aboriginal students and their families, a sense of humour, and preparedness to invest time to interact with Aboriginal students out of the classroom in order to strengthen relationships. The research also indicates that effective teachers understand that Aboriginal students are often more independent than others, do not …

Learning Better Together : Australian Indigenous Education Conference 4-7 April 2000 Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, Western Australia, Graeme Gower (Ed.)

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Conceptions Of Learning Identified By Indigenous Students Entering A University Preparation Course, Alison M. Bunker

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The increase in Indigenous participation in university courses in recent years has not been matched by an increase in graduation. In the mainstream university population, student success has been linked to approaches to learning, which are linked to conceptions of learning. This study investigates what conceptions of learning Indigenous students identify at the beginning of their university career. Thirty six students completed a 'Reflections on Learning Inventory' developed by Meyer (1995). Nine of these students were interviewed in depth about what they thought learning was and how they would go about it. The interview analysis for each of the nine …

Target Language Avoidance By Thai Teachers Of English: Thai Teachers' Beliefs, Sasithorn Vacharaskunee

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Interactionist theories of second language acquisition (SLA) claim that both comprehensible input and modified interaction in the target language are necessary for language learning. In the foreign language context, little opportunity exists for such input simply through exposure to the target language outside the classroom. Therefore, the quantity as well as quality of input within classrooms is especially important. However in spite of this fact many non-native teachers of second language, including English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers, tend to avoid using the target language in their classrooms. This has serious pedagogic implications. Thai teachers are typical of many …

Investigation Into The Compatibility Of The Outcomes Of The Northern Territory Special Category Curriculum For Secondary Aged Indigenous Students And The Western Australian Student Outcome Statements, Matthew Byrne

Theses : Honours

This study is an investigation into the compatibility of the outcomes of the Northern Territory Special Category Curriculum for Secondary Aged Indigenous Students (NTC) and the Western Australian Student Outcome Statements (SOS), in the Learning Area of English, using specified criteria. This document analysis examined the theoretical assumptions underpinning the NTC and SOS, the comparisons that can be made between the two, and then, how suitable the NTC was for achieving the SOS documented by Education Department of Western Australia (EDWA) for Indigenous secondary students in remote comminutes. The outcomes for the NTC and SOS in the Learning Area of …

Boys' And Girls' Attitudes To Aboriginal And Non-Aboriginal Students With Conduct Disorder, Nerine Van Wyk

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to examine children’s attitudes towards Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal peers with Conduct Disorder. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design was used to test the hypotheses. The three independent variables were: (a) Ethnicity of the target student (aboriginal/ Non-Aboriginal) described in a vignette, (b) disability or the target student (no disability/ conduct disorder) described in a vignette; and (c) the gender of the participants. A sample of 216 Year 6 students was divided into four groups each containing 27 girls and 27 boys and an attitude questionnaire was administered. The attitude survey measured two …

Crosslinguistic Influence In The Speech Of Hungarian-English Bilinguals, Valerie Kollmann

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The study is written in an attempt to report on factors that affect language transfer between Hungarian and English and on the extent 1.1 and 1.2 lexical elements are integrated into the speech in either language. An attempt is made to classify the functions of the integrated lexical elements. Furthermore, it is hypothesised that transfer could be interpreted as a production strategy. Data collection included a questionnaire and audio recording of interviews and observations of eleven bilingual participants involved in problem solving tasks.

The Response Of Secondary Students From Non-English Speaking Backgrounds To A Visual Arts Course, Jean O. Aitken

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Interest in multiculturalism has been expressed by educators for a number of years. Much of the literature concerning multiculturalism in visual arts education calls for the adoption of a culturally inclusive curricula in order to meet the needs of all students. In his consideration of conceptions of curriculum, Eisner (1988) made reference to a preferred body of knowledge which often excludes students from minority groups within society. Many Australian schools are experiencing increases in enrolments of students from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB). These students may themselves be immigrants or the children of one or both parents born in another country. …

Towards More User-Friendly Education For Speakers Of Aboriginal English, Ian G. Malcolm, Yvonne Haig, Patricia Konsignberg, Judith Rochecouste, Glenys Collard, Alison Hill, Rosemary Cahill

Research outputs pre 2011

The project reported on here set out, on a basis of cooperation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal investigators working in university, educational system and classroom contexts, to lead to understandings which would enable a more accessible ("userfriendly") education to be provided for students in primary and secondary schools who are speakers of Aboriginal English.

Specifically, in the context of schools of the Education Department of Western Australia, the project sought to:

1. extend knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal English and its areas of contrast with standard Australian English;

2. provide clarification in the following under-researched areas of Aboriginal English:

a) semantic …

Ngaligura Wangkabinyarri, Banthaga, Jardimarri = We Talk, We Listen, We Embrace : Aboriginal Mothers As A Major Contributor To Their Daughters' Participation And Achievement In Tertiary Education, Odette Haley

Theses : Honours

This thesis examines Aboriginal mothers as one of the major variables to their daughters' participation and achievement in tertiary education. It presents the findings of research that Investigated specific nurturing behaviours of four Aboriginal mothers who assisted their adult daughters to participate and achieve in tertiary education. The research is qualitative in nature and research data was collected using interviews and ethnographic observations of the eight participants over a two and a half-year period. The observations and interviews were made of Aboriginal mothers whose daughters had achieved a degree or diploma through a university or further education institution. The findings …

The Effects Of Nationality And Educational Background On World Music Preference Of A Sample Of Expatriate Students In Singapore, Karen Ann Niedermeyer

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to examine expatriate students' World music preferences and investigate the relationship between the number of years students have spent in international school education and their preferences for World music, and their ability to identify its origins. The researcher was of the view that two prime determinants probably influence World music preferences: a) the length of stay in an international school. b) positive cultural exposure in a harmonious, multi-cultural society. The research methodology used in examining the above determinants on World music preferences involved two separate tests, taken consecutively. Firstly, The World Music Preference Inventory …

A Case Study Of Employees' Motivation To Participate In A Workplace Language And Literacy Program, Marguerite Mary Cullity

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The reasons why non-English speaking background (NESB) shopfloor employees participate in workplace language and literacy classes and the factors that affect their motivation to participate are relative unknowns. This study investigates NESB shopfloor employees' motivation to participate in a Communication Skills Development Program (CSDP) course and the factors that affected their motivation. An inductive analysis of findings revealed that all of the employees participated in one of the CSDP courses for a variety of pre-determined life-specific reasons. These reasons are represented by three main categories of goals (i.e., 'Self-improvement through language and literacy development', 'Work', 'Outside work'). Of these goals, …

Principles And Practices Of Esl Teachers: A Study Of Adults And Children, Michael P. Breen, Bernard Hird, Marion Milton, Rhonda Oliver, A. Thwaite

Research outputs pre 2011

The study reported here aimed to identify the particular practices and uncover the particular principles of a group of ESL teachers. Some of the teachers were working with adult learners and some were working with young children. The research aimed to answer three main questions:

1. What are the classroom practices of this group of language teachers?

2. What principles do they identify as underlying their work in the classroom?

3. What is the relationship between the principles they held and the practices they adopted?

The study also aimed to find out if there were similarities or differences between teachers …

How Efl Writing (English As A Foreign Language) Is Taught In Solomon Islands, Sylvia Skinner

Theses : Honours

A grounded theory investigation of Solomon Island teachers' best methods for teaching EFL writing was undertaken in Perth. Thirteen teachers (three male and ten female) participated. being selected according to availability and coverage of all primary school grades Two Coordinators assisted with location and liason between the participants and the research base in Western Australia The investigation proceeded in four phases In the first phase, data were gathered through a report file, in which the teachers identified their three most successful methods for teaching EFL writing Data were analysed using the continuous comparative method to find the core variable underlying …

Profiling Esl Children: How Teachers Interpret And Use National And State Assessment Frameworks: Volume 2: The Western Australia Case Studies, Michael P. Breen, Caroline Barratt-Pugh, Beverly Derewianka, Helen House, Catherine Hudson, Tom Lumley, Mary Rohl

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Profiling Esl Children: How Teachers Interpret And Use National And State Assessment Frameworks: Volume 3: The Eastern States Case Studies, Michael P. Breen, Caroline Barratt-Pugh, Beverly Derewianka, Helen House, Catherine Hudson, Tom Lumley, Mary Rohl

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Profiling Esl Children: How Teachers Interpret And Use National And State Assessment Frameworks: Volume 1: Key Issues & Findings, Michael P. Breen, Caroline Barratt-Pugh, Beverly Derewianka, Helen House, Catherine Hudson, Tom Lumley, Mary Rohl

Research outputs pre 2011

The three volumes which make up this study describe in detail how a number of teachers in different school situations in different parts of Australia undertook the assessment of young children's development of English as a second language. Most of the teachers worked in pre-primary to Year 3 classrooms where the majority of the children were aged between five and eight years. The majority worked in a mainstream context in which the number of children speaking English as a second language (ESL) varied from more than half the class to two or three students. About a third of the teachers …

Cd-Rom Storybooks: Reading Strategies Of Learners Of English As A Second Language, Marie Beardsell

Theses : Honours

Technology has had a huge impact on pedagogy and this impact is increasing with more educationally sound computer software becoming available. CD-ROM storybooks are an example of such software, and this study was an attempt to discover how beneficial these computerised books are, to the reading strategies of English as a second language (ESL) learners. The subjects of this study were eight ESL learners from grades 3 and 4 of primary school (five female and three male). Four subjects were born in Australia, and the remaining four were born overseas. However, all subjects were exposed to a language other than …