Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons^™

The Importance Of Foreign Language Education At The Elementary Level, Dennys Canto

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review looks at the benefits of teaching foreign language at the elementary level versus at the secondary level. The review examines the linguistic and cognitive benefits of learning a foreign language at different levels. Young children are slower at learning languages than adolescent learners, in all aspects of language. However, young children gain many cognitive advantages from learning a foreign language and are more likely to become indistinguishable from native speakers. Foreign languages should be taught at the elementary level because it helps with literacy in English, it enhances problem solving, attentional control and the ability to switch …

Bilingualism Narrows Socioeconomic Disparities In Executive Functions And Self-Regulatory Behaviors During Early Childhood: Evidence From The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Andree Hartanto, Wei Xing Toh, Hwajin Yang

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Socioeconomic status (SES) and bilingualism have been shown to influence executive functioning during early childhood. Less is known, however, about how the two factors interact within an individual. By analyzing a nationally representative sample of approximately 18,200 children who were tracked from ages 5 to 7 across four waves, both higher SES and bilingualism were found to account for greater performance on the inhibition and shifting aspects of executive functions (EF) and self‐regulatory behaviors in classroom. However, only SES reliably predicted verbal working memory. Furthermore, bilingualism moderated the effects of SES by ameliorating the detrimental consequences of low‐SES on EF …

Indexation And Ideologies: Latinx And Nahuatl Terms In Our Identity Journey, David Martinez-Prieto

Bilingual and Literacy Studies Faculty Publications

In this essay, I challenge unreflective linguistic indexation of Latino academia; specifically, the suppression of the inflexion “o” in generic nouns (as in Latinx) and appropriation of Nahuatl nouns. To do so, I analyze these two linguistic features in terms of historical macro- and micro-linguistic levels and, for the case of Latinx, I situate this socio-cultural practice in relation to Spanish morphology and semantics. Finally, I question if these linguistic practices of Latino (Latinx) scholars enhance group identity and social justice or, on the contrary, if this linguistic indexation merely isolates a selective group of U.S.-centered scholars.

Preparing Culturally Responsive Educators In The 21st Century: White Pre-Service Teachers Identification Of Unearned Privileges, Winston E. Vaughan Ph.D.

Georgia Educational Researcher

This qualitative /quantitative investigation highlights the analysis of preservice teachers’ responses to an end of semester writing prompt in a diversity course requiring them to identify an unearned privilege that they may have benefitted from. Data were analyzed using qualitative as well as quantitative methodologies. Qualitative analysis revealed a range of privileges that pre-service can rely on when they reflect on the structured nature of privilege within our society such as socio-economic status, race, education, American citizenship, gender, parental support and language. Quantitative results, which focused on descriptive statistics, revealed that Whiteness and social class were privileges that they benefitted …

Preparing The “Linguistically Qualified” Bilingual Teacher: Self/Auto Ethnographies Of Bilingual Teacher Educators, Christian E. Zúñiga, Joan R. Lachance, Cristian R. Aquino-Sterling, Michael D. Guerrero

Bilingual and Literacy Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

I Influence Too: The Role Of Professors In Developing Bilingual Teachers' Spanish Proficiency, Zulmaris Diaz, Gina Lydia Garza-Reyna

Bilingual and Literacy Studies Faculty Publications

To support the growing number of English learners (ELs) across the nation, professors in the field of bilingual education are being called to prepare highly effective bilingual teachers who not only have linguistic proficiency in English and Spanish but can also successfully perform in academic settings. As a result, we, two bilingual education professors working at two different institutions along the Texas–Mexico border, conducted a duoethnography study to explore the question, How are our practices impacting the students we teach?—an area in the field of bilingual education that has been relatively unexplored. We examine our practices using the existing literature …

Found In Space: A Cross-Linguistic Analysis Of Second Language Learners In English Map Task Performance, Susan K. Metheny

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

Understanding the relationship between first and second language use in the area of spatial language has broader implications for our understanding of language learning and consequences for the construction of bilingual assessment instruments for second language learners. This study shows that observing and interpreting the task of map drawing and the related behavior of explaining maps can be a way to explore the linguistic emergence of the conceptualization of spatial language (at a moment of simultaneous and synchronized incarnation). Altogether, 50 dyads (pairs) participated in the New Mexico Map Task Project; the project included native speakers of English, Russian, Japanese, …

A Systemic Functional Linguistics Analysis Of The Discourse Of English Friday Sermons, Ahmad Alenezi

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

On every Friday, in every mosque in the world, Muslims gather for Friday sermons in answer to the call: “O you, who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew” (Quran, 62:9). Typically, the Friday prayer is shortened by half to accommodate the presentation of the Friday sermon; this emphasizes the importance of the sermons. The present study is a discourse analysis that examined 12 sermons delivered on the first Friday of every …

The Identification Of Formulaic Sequences In Urdu Language And Their Pedagogical Implication For Sla (Esl/Usl), Hafiz-Muhammad Fazal E Haq

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

In this study, an effort has been made to explore formulaicity in the Urdu language and its pedagogical implication in second language acquisition, both for English as a second language and Urdu as second language learners. It is believed that formulaic sequences or prefabs make more than fifty percent of a language. These formulaic sequences are of various kinds encompassing idioms, proverbs, collocations and sometimes, simple fillers. For the current study, data will be collected from two widely circulated Urdu newspapers. The data will consist of lexical chunks or formulas, which will be identified on the basis of eleven criteria …

Improving Literacy Outcomes For Adolescent English Language Learners, Grace Diaz-Peterson

Graduate Teacher Education

As the population of English Language Learners in United States public schools has risen significantly in recent years, the unique academic challenges these students faced, particularly in middle and high school, became more apparent. A widening reading and vocabulary gap between English Language Learners and their native English-speaking peers posed particular barriers in secondary content area classes, where many teachers reported feeling ill-prepared to meet the specialized linguistic needs of their English Language Learner students. This paper analyzed a mix of recent, available qualitative and quantitative research on best practices to improve literacy outcomes for adolescent English Language Learners. As …

Addressing The Needs Of High School English Learners Through Inclusion In General Education Classrooms: A Descriptive Case Study Of A Midwestern Metropolitan Public School District, Amanda Levos

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

English Learners (EL) and those students’ redesignated language proficient, or more accurately described as emergent bilingual or multilingual learners; make up a significant subset of the student population of high schools throughout the country. ELs may be vulnerable to academic failure in core academic subject areas due to limited language proficiency and potential gaps in formal education. Every school district creates a continuum of services to educate students at various levels of English language acquisition, which more than likely will include inclusion in the general education classroom. The challenge for districts is ensuring that general education teachers have the knowledge, …

Building Pathways: Nurturing A Female Generation Of School Leaders In China, Lixia Qin, Mario Torres, Jean Madsen

Journal of Women in Educational Leadership

International feminist perspectives recognize the continuing inequalities of power between men and women across all classes. In China’s male-dominant society, for example, women often have been inhibited from pursuing leadership positions. One particular reason that has been drawing increasing attention across the world is the lack of appropriate training and guidance in young women’s leadership. This paper probes in greater depth one of the most important, yet largely overlooked aspects in the educational leadership of China – women’s leadership roles in education and young women’s leadership preparation. Drawing from published data, literature, and the data collected by the authors, the …

“Her Sentence Is Correct, Isn’T It?”: Regulative Discourse In English Medium Classrooms, Lydiah Kananu Kiramba, Patrick Henry Smith

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

Research on discourse in African classrooms has shown the predominance of teacher centered instructional practices. Teacher centered discourse patterns have been blamed for student passivity and disengagement in knowledge production. In this article, we investigate teachers' use of the invariant tag isn't it in Kenyan primary classrooms during ELA and math lessons. Using Bernstein's pedagogical device theory, we submit that the tag plays a regulative function in classroom discourse. Based on our findings, we argue for greater attention to teachers' language choices and discuss implications for classroom discourse practice and research. The invariant tag isn't it is a common linguistic …

Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Perspectives On Dual Language Education, Kylie Ross

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates preservice teachers’ perspectives towards dual language education (DLE) through a mixed methods approach. This study investigates preservice teachers enrolled in an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) certification course concerning the following research questions: 1. What impact does taking an ESOL course have on preservice teachers’ attitudes and perspectives towards DLE? 2. Is there a significant difference in change in attitude between students taking the course online versus face to face (F2F)? 3. How are preservice teachers informed about what schools have dual language programs in their area? 4.What relationship may exist between attitudes, perspectives, and …

Developing Language And (Pre)Literacyskills In Deaf Preschoolers Through Shared Reading Activities With Bimodal-Bilingual Ebooks, Gene Mirus, Donna Jo Napoli

Journal of Multilingual Education Research

Encouraging relaxed and playful interaction over stories naturally fosters language interaction and both preliteracy [hereafter (pre)literacy skills] and literacy without anxiety. Reading for pleasure is valuable for young hearing children – we know that, it is among the most beloved family rituals. In this article we argue that reading for pleasure needs to be recognized as valuable for young deaf children and needs to become a beloved family ritual for them, as well. One way to achieve this is to read ebooks to deaf children in order to advance their communication and other (pre)literacy skills. An exploration of these types …

Book Review: Transnational Immigrant Children & Youth In New York City, Marcela Ossa-Parra

Journal of Multilingual Education Research

Book review of Growing Up Transnational: Colombian and Dominican Children of Immigrants in New York City by Débora Upegui-Hernández.

Teachers’ Critical Reflections On Using The Nysed Bilingual Common Core Progressions And Implications And Their Use For The Quality Of Multilingual Learners’ Instruction, Patricia Velasco

Journal of Multilingual Education Research

In this article I discuss findings of a qualitative study that explores the insights of a group of teachers about implementation of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Bilingual Common Core Progressions (BCCP). Moreover, I explain teachers' suggestions on best pedagogical practices that could be used in the instruction of multilingual learners when implementing the Next Generation English Language Arts (ELA) Standards. The findings may guide any future revision and implementation of BCCP.

Book Review Introduction: Growing Up Transnational: Colombian And Dominican Children Of Immigrants In New York City, Patricia Velasco

Journal of Multilingual Education Research

In this present issue of JMER, Marcela Ossa Parra is reviewing a book by Upegui-Hernández titled Growing Up Transnational: Colombian and Dominican Children of Immigrants in New York City. Ossa Parra in currently an Assistant Professor in the Bilingual Education Program at Queens College, CUNY. Marcela Ossa Parra is Columbian and she therefore understands the cultural context where many of the participants in Upegui-Hernández’ work have lived.

Necessary Paradigm Shifts In Bilingual Education: Rethinking Assessment In Bilingual Classrooms, Aida A. Nevárez-La Torre

Journal of Multilingual Education Research

This is the third and last Editorial in a series on Necessary Paradigm Shifts in Bilingual Education. The initial two editorials focused on Rethinking Language (JMER’s Volume 4, 2013) and the second on Rethinking Multilingual Literacy (JMER’s Volume 5, 2014). The necessary paradigm shift discussed here focuses on the role of assessment in bilingual classrooms and the novel conceptualization of bilingual assessment.

Publication Description & Guidelines For Submission

Journal of Multilingual Education Research

No abstract provided.

Notes On Contributing Authors

Journal of Multilingual Education Research

Notes on Contributing Authors to Volume 8 of the Journal of Multilingual Education Research.

Open Textbook Project [Poster], Sue Ann Gardner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Presentations

Details of a porject undertaken to collaboratively write and produce an open access parasitology textbook for undergraduate and graduate students. The book will be published by Zea Books at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2020 and be available in English and Spanish both online and print-on-demand through lulu.com.

Co-Executive Editors: Scott L. Gardner and Sue Ann Gardner, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Publisher: Paul Royster/Zea Books, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Spanish Translator: Yoanna Esquivel Greenwood, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Project Coordinator: Sue Ann Gardner.

Project website: Concepts in Animal Parasitology.

"We Didn't Know": An Examination Of Health And Nutrition Knowledge, Behaviors And Clinical Risk Factors To Guide A Pilot Health Education Intervention For Refugees From Burma, Elizabeth B. Smith, Lauren R. Sastre

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

No abstract provided.

A Brief History Of English Language Learners In Arkansas, Sarah Mckenzie, Molly I. Beck, Charlene A. Reid

Policy Briefs

This brief will provide an overview of the context of English Learner education policies at the national and state level. In addition to examining these policies, this brief will provide an overview of state-wide and region-wide trends in the growth of English Language Learner student population.

Critical Multicultureal Education: Working At The Intersections Of Resistance, Restorative Justice, And Revolutionary Changes -- Introduction, Christine Clark, Norma A. Marrun

Teaching and Learning Faculty Research

We are pleased to serve as co-editors for this Education Sciences Special Issue focused on Critical Multicultural Education: Working at the Intersections of Resistance, Restorative Justice, and Revolutionary Change. Contributors to this Special Issue are graduates and/or close academic affiliates of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ doctoral program emphasis in Cultural Studies, International Education, and Multicultural Education, also known as “CSIEME,” pronounced phonetically as “See Me.”

Experiencing Anti-Immigrant Policies On Both Sides Of The U.S./Mexico Borderland: A Comparative Study Of Mexican And Iranian Families, Sandra L. Candel, Shahla Fayazpour

Teaching and Learning Faculty Research

The experiences of Mexican and Iranian immigrant families are often unheard and unpacked. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine how race, ethnicity, and national identity are at the core of the sociopolitical and economic issues that Latino and Iranian families undergo in the United States. Using critical race theory as a framework, this research analyzed the ways in which Mexican immigrant families who were deported, and Iranian-immigrant families living in the United States, have been differently affected by post 9/11 anti-immigrant policies and by zero tolerance policies enacted by the Trump administration. The research question guiding this …

Latinx Family Engagement In Schools And Surrounding Communities: Assessing The Impact Of Parent (And Other Family Member) Development On Improving Student Educational Outcomes At Gene Ward Elementary School, Rosemary Q. Flores, Phyllis Morgan, Linda Rivera, Christine Clark

Teaching and Learning Faculty Research

This article examined the success of broadly defined family engagement activities of Latinx parents of students at Gene Ward Elementary School. Gene Ward Elementary School is a part of the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. This article is based on a larger study of parent and family member participants in these activities at 25 district schools between 2003 and 2012.

“…4542 Miles From Home…”: Repositioning English Language Learners As Power Brokers And Teachers As Learners In The Study Abroad Context, Kenneth J. Fasching-Varner, Michaela P. Stone, Roberto Mora Mella, Francisco Olave Henriquez, Macarena Yacoman Palma

Teaching and Learning Faculty Research

This article provides an empirical context for the role that bi/multi-lingual children and families may play in supporting pre-service and in-service educators engaging difference through a literacy and language situated study abroad internship in Chile. Drawing on data over a 15-year longitudinal study of the program, the authors examine how students and parents navigate serving the role of teacher, whereas the teacher participants navigate a new role as a learner in a context where they, many for the first time, experience being language and cultural minorities.

Intercultural Sensitivity Orientations Prior To Short-Term Study Abroad: A Qualitative Study On Prospective English Language Teachers, Emrullah Yasin Çiftçi, Nurdan Gürbüz

The Qualitative Report

Short-term study abroad programs can contribute to the multidimensional development of prospective language teachers. However, participants’ intercultural sensitivity orientations prior to the mobility period can significantly influence the quality and quantity of the outcomes gained from such programs. Therefore,in this qualitative case study, we explored the intercultural sensitivity orientations of a cohort of prospective language teachers from Turkey who prepared to study at three different universities in Italy. We also explored the participants’ perspectives regarding the potential contributions of short-term study abroad to their ongoing language teacher education processes. Following an interpretive analysis of qualitative data, our findings revealed that …

Challenging Girlhood, Mary Ann Harlan

School of Information Student Research Journal

No abstract provided.