Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons^™

From College To Kindergarten: Exploring Teaching On A Shifting Career Path, Christine Zopf

Master of Arts in English Plan II Graduate Projects

"From College to Kindergarten: Exploring Teaching on a Shifting Career Path" explores the field of education through the lens of my own experiences working with multilingual students abroad. This portfolio is a showcase of my strongest work while at Bowling Green State University and reflects my interest in working with multilingual students in primary and secondary school. It also expands to demonstrate my flexibility and knowledge of first year composition and literary analysis.

Rethinking Language Teaching Methods And Materials, Matthew Barge

MA TESOL Collection

With a vast number of people speaking and learning English all over the world, the English language has shifted from being a national language to an international language and finally into a global language. However, English is often taught in a very exclusive way in which English language learners are often times only introduced and exposed to the language practices of speakers who have historically held the most power and prestige in the English-speaking world. One result of this teaching methodology is that many English learners are being taught language practices that are not reflective of how various English speaking …

Secondary Teacher Attitudes Targeting Inclusion Of English Language Learners In Mainstream Classrooms, Jacquelin Drusilla Buttram-Brownell

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Educational leadership in public schools have struggled to service second language learners across the United States. Although support systems in urban education settings have seemed to be fully staffed, the surge of new immigrants, has posed challenges to classroom teachers. Unspoken attitudes of bias and perception of faculty members have been menacing and could have impeded equitable practice and performance of both the English language learner and the teacher. Previous research of Reeves (2002, 2004, & 2006) has inferred teachers have struggled with their attitudes toward ELLs in their mainstream classes and have indicated professional development as being essential. Specifically, …

Amjambo Africa! (May 2021), Kathreen Harrison

Amjambo Africa!

In this Issue

Chad’s president dies.........2/3

Corruption in Africa.........2/3

Maine & slave trade..............5

Vaccine pause/editorial .......6

Portland Empowered..........12

Onyx Emelo photo essay ...13

Liberation Farms photo essay.......................14

A taste of Jamaica................15

Support for AAPIcommunity........................17

Midcoast Literacy................18

Amran Osman.....................19

Minorities in Healthcare....20

Finance.................................21

Guest Columnists/community voices.....................24/25/26

Ekhlas Ahmed.....................27

Ryan Adams.........................28

Cynthia McGuirl.................28

Navigating benefits.............29

Racial justice........................31

Translations

French..................................7

Swahili.................................8

Somali..................................9

Kinyarwanda.....................22

Portuguese.........................23

The Impact Of Relationships On School Culture From Perspectives Of Faculty At A Philadelphia High School, Richman Mathis

Education Doctorate Dissertations

A school's culture is heavily influenced by the development of relationships between students and faculty. This study explores 13 faculty member stories to investigate what is in the culture at a private Philadelphia religious based high school that builds or hinders relationships. To inform this research investigation, evidence was gathered through a three step process: administering a survey, conducting semi-structured interviews, and the co-construction of narrative reflections. Faculty data collected shared moments revealing an understanding of the importance of healthy relationship building as an aspect in culture growth through empowering voices, autonomy, support, genuine love for one another, traditions and …

Variety In Second Language Instruction: Student Engagement In Sla, Emily Borgstrom Woodruff

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio is a collection of works completed by the author during her time as a student in the Master of Second Language Teaching program at Utah State University. It highlights important aspects and experiences of foreign language education that represent the author’s personal journey of learning and teaching.

The first section is comprised of the author’s teaching perspectives which are represented through the author’s desired professional environment, her teaching philosophy statement, and the author’s professional development through teaching observations. The second section presents the author’s pedagogical research pertaining to foreign language pragmatics and music integration in the classroom. The …

Alleviating Oral Communication Anxieties In College French Classes: The Impact Of Professor-Student Connections, Claude Cassagne

Doctorate in Education

Oral communication anxiety (OCA) is a challenge for many college students studying a foreign language. This phenomenon has yielded many studies explaining OCA exists, relating it to personality traits and concluding educators play a large role in either reducing or aggravating such anxieties. However, research is lacking in the role professor-student rapport and connections play in affecting OCA. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to seek student perception on (through their worldviews), and recommendations for, professor teaching practices as it relates to anxiety and rapport-building. The participants are and were students of French in an undergraduate private liberal …

¿Dónde Están? Exploring The Identification Process For Gifted English Language Learners, Angelita O. Vasquez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem this study addressed was the underrepresentation of ELLs in gifted and talented (GT) programs. The purpose of this case study was to explore teacher, parent, and administrator understandings of the identification process for the gifted and talented program in Gray ISD (pseudonym), in order to gain insights for improving the identification of ELLs for the GT program. The overall research question was: Based on their understandings of the GT identification process, what insights do teachers, parents, and administrators provide to improve the identification of ELLs for the GT program? With LatCrit theory serving as a theoretical framework, this …

The Light Switch Of Language: Code-Switching, Cierra Johnson

Emerging Writers

Many students are held back from the opportunities life has to offer, simply because of language. This article examines the use of code-switching and argues that it could be the key to pulling all students together, giving them equal chances at success.

Arabic-Speaking Students' Responses To Children's Literature About The Middle East, Amal Aldaej

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This dissertation explores a group of first and second grade (rising second and third grade) Arabic-speaking students’ responses to literature about the Middle East in an elementary public school in the northeast of the United States. It examines the students’ engagement throughout multiple contexts (grade-level classroom, English as a New Language classroom, and culturally sustaining context) across 14 months. The study’s theoretical framework included transactional theories of response (Rosenblatt, 1978), culturally sustaining pedagogy (Paris, 2012), and translanguaging (García, 2009). Through the methodology of practitioner research (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 2009), I adopted a critical inquiry stance through being close to my …

“Why Are We Still Reading About Rosa Parks?”: Essential Questions For Continuation Schools, Samantha Mbodwam

English (MA) Theses

Continuation schools are historically constructed places of both academic and social rejection. With cultural rhetorics theory providing a context for the research, this inquiry values student stories and experiences. This IRB-approved case study analyzes continuation school education, including classroom participant-observation and interview data to explore if the current academic system is failing these children, and, if so, is failure essentially manufactured and a result of socialized oppression. Therefore, this case study provides a means to hear the voices of those students placed in a continuation school and the voice of a classroom teacher’s perspective on the school curriculum and educational …

Systemic Functional Linguistics In The Community College Composition Class: A Multimodal Approach To Teaching Composition Using The Metalanguage Of Sfl, Jennifer James

Education (PhD) Dissertations

This qualitative research study sought to understand the affordances and limitations of a systemic functional linguistics (SFL) approach to teaching composition at the community college level. The study took place over the course of a semester in two developmental college composition classes using the language of SFL to teach writing through multimodal assignments. The study was developed in response to the increasing diversity in writing skills and educational goals of students in the community college composition class. The increase in diversity is a result of legislation in California that restructures developmental class offerings and affects placement in the transfer-level composition …

Teacher-Teacher? Or Native Speaker?, Sixta Payan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Despite of the ELT varied research on the native speakerism ideology with the aim to resolve/dissolve its ideological issues and the NESTs/NNESTs dichotomy created within, that favors one group above the other, the effects of the ideology continue to persist (Holliday, 2014; Selvi, 2016; Lowe and Kiczkowiak, 2016; Mahboob and Golden, 2013;.) Much of the awareness of native speakerism ideology the has been at the research level and not at the local level of our education systems (teacher to teacher). Therefore, this research seeks to expose how the native speakerism ideology is permeated and enacted in a local NNEST ELT …

Pedagogy Or Andragogy?: Which Teaching Method Produces Successful Esl Tutoring That Involves Musical Activities?, Julia Cormack

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Considering the connections between music and language, as well as Chi et al.’s (2001) theory, this thesis introduces an original case study investigation: which teaching method, pedagogy or andragogy, will be most effective in one-on-one ESL tutoring sessions that use music as source material? The term pedagogy often describes the art and science of teaching. However, its Greek roots refer to the method of the teacher leading the classroom. Meanwhile, andragogy describes a teaching method where the teacher engages with the students in the learning and leading; Greek for “leader of man,” andragogy most often refers to teaching adults. To …

Incorporating Multiculturalism, Mayra Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper explores the importance of including multicultural awareness in school classrooms. Multiculturalism has been defined as the process of recognizing, understanding and appreciating cultures other than one's own. This study answers the following research questions, What is multiculturalism? Why is multiculturalism beneficial to students? How can teachers incorporate multiculturalism into classroom instruction? In a review of literature on the importance of incorporating multiculturalism, the research shows that there are many benefits and reasons to why multiculturalism should be incorporated in classrooms. This qualitative research study investigated the understanding of multiculturalism by a cohort of pre-service teachers through a survey …

Queering Beyond Pronouns: The Necessity Of Indigenizing Learning Communities, Gillian Imazumi-Hegarty

Master's Projects and Capstones

Learners who do not see themselves reflected in schooling face mental health, social and academic hardships. While centring marginalized identities and pursuing efforts to queer learning spaces is vital, it cannot end with attention to gender and sexuality. In order to best serve learners and community members, learning environments must commit to indigenizing as well. This paper culminates in a handbook which seeks to provide best practices for engaging with learners and holding space, as well as includes a sample curriculum and resources for further development. This handbook is focused for educators on unceded ancestral Ohlone Lands, and centres the …

Chronic Codeswitching: A Phenomenological Study Examining Multiracial Student Sense Of Belonging In A Predominantly White Institution., Nicholas Lamar Wright

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Constantly feeling a lack of acceptance and getting the comment “You are too Black” or “You are too White” is a challenging, common occurrence for multiracial students, but especially those in predominantly White institutions. This is just one of the barriers that stand between multiracial students and forming a sense of belonging at a predominantly White institution. The majority of research examining sense of belonging focuses on either Black or White students, but neglect multiracial students and their experiences. This dissertation examines sense of belonging for multiracial (Black/White) students in a predominantly White institution, by interviewing 11 multiracial students at …

“I’M Sorry Can You Repeat That?” How Do Monolingual Teachers Find Success In Linguistically Diverse Classroom Environments, Janine G. Bandayrel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone Project is on monolingualism in teachers as a result of subtractive education who are or are going to be working in linguistically diverse classrooms. This is an important issue for monolingual educators or students whose selected career path revolves around education because diversity within California has been on a steady rise and more students are English Language Learners (ELLs) trying to adapt to the norm of English within schools. An argument is made that monolingual teachers are at a disadvantage when it comes to working in linguistically diverse classrooms and there is not enough support …

Diverse Characterization: The Importance Of Inclusive Protagonists And Authors For Adolescents In Diverse Communities, Trista Straube

Masters Theses

Despite continuous efforts to increase comprehension and success for students of diverse backgrounds there is a major underrepresentation of these communities in literary applications. Literary devices within public institutions should celebrate diversity in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, culture, and physical and mental ability. It is important, in young adult development, that students have literature that reflects similarities in their personal lives. This thesis will serve to prove that literature pursued in public education should be selected based on the relatability of the students enrolled in the institution and inclusivity to the student population. When selecting relatable texts, …

Perceived Obstacles By Esl Instructors And Required Support For The Integration Of Educational Technology, Xiaotian Zhang

Doctoral Dissertations

Nowadays, the use of technology has become a significant part of the language learning process inside and outside of the classroom. Many previous studies and surveys, most language educators hold a relatively positive attitude to the usage of technology in language teaching and learning. But many other studies also found that language teachers were not really using technology in their classrooms, or only for very low-level learning and teaching. The integration of technology in second language learning and teaching is still a problem that has not been fully researched.This descriptive study was designed to explore the obstacles that prevent ESL …

K-12 Economically Disadvantaged Students, Poverty, And Education: Ecological Narratives Of Successful Raised-In-Poverty, Texas Educators, Rebecca N. Morris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to understand how successful Texas educators who grew up in poverty understood and improved the educational experience of economically disadvantaged students. This study utilized a structural ecological theory and three theories of social relationships (Social Identity, Standpoint, and Cultural Capital). This phenomenological and qualitative study used a cross-sectional, descriptive, online case study design rooted in narrative nonfiction. Virtual interviews with six successful Texas educators that grew up in poverty were conducted. A narrative method of analysis was utilized to generate codes then organize them into themes, and to construct and compare the narrative findings. The results …

Si Se Puede: Continuous Barrier In Latino Education, Juan Daniel Sierra

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone Project is on the continuous barriers in Latino Education. This is important because we are still seeing the same issues of inequities, lower academic attainment, and achievement gaps growing. Although these issues have been brought up and discussed, so little has been done to resolve them. By continuing to address these issues, it allows us to keep generating the conversation on what more we can do for Latino students in the United States. It allows us as a community to see the bigger picture and be able to formulate new plans that will close achievement …

Standardized Test And The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Multi-Site Case Study Of Singapore And Southern Nevada Within A Culturally Responsive Evaluation Framework, Rosnidar B. Arshad

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As world governments scramble to contain the spread on Covid-19, temporary closure of schools was enforced, and on-site classes were converted to online or virtual versions within short notice. Yet, as dictated by world society, schools must prepare students for standardized tests in order to be acknowledged as legitimate. World rankings impose pressure on school systems to target high standardized test scores in order to gain and maintain economic viability for jurisdictions. This dissertation presents the pressures of high performance in standardized tests amidst a global pandemic as a problem to be researched within a context of sociopolitical and socioeconomic …

Opportunities For Second Language Development With The Use Of Digital Tools: Analyzing The Experience Of A Multi-Age Primary Community From An Activity Theory Perspective, Ellen Dougherty

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this eight-week study was to analyze how a multi-age primary community utilized the technology available to them from an activity theoretical perspective. In addition, it was aimed at exploring how the technology provided opportunities for second language development. The study relied on Cultural Historical Theory (CHAT) and mainstream sociocultural perspectives that originated from Vygotsky’s work, further developed by SCT theorists. This dissertation employed qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews with members of the multi-age community: the five educators, the lead administrator, and the Educational Computing Consultant (ECS), and observations and field notes. Digital data (which included videos and …

We Gon' Be Alright: A Narrative Inquiry With Black Male Doctoral Students, Lashaun D. Limbrick

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation study aspired to examine the stories of what internal and external supports lead Black men to pursue, and persist through, doctoral degree programs at predominately white institutions (PWIs). Arguably, advancing one’s education towards a doctoral degree, involves several years of rigorous coursework, a comprehensive examination, degree benchmarks, and a formal dissertation study, which could provide guaranteed economic and social stability. There is a disproportionately that exists among the number of Black men being awarded doctoral degrees yearly as compared to white men. This study will examine Black males’ stories of support along the doctoral trajectory.

The study utilizes …

Nos/Otrxs Que Fuimos Separados: Recovering Testimonios Of Separation And Resistance, Marcela Rodriguez-Campo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the U.S. xenophobia has been on the rise and current immigration policies have increased the occurrence of family separation. Experiences with family separation profoundly impact children and have a detrimental effect on their development and educational outcomes. However, limited research has been conducted exploring the long-term impacts of family separation on education, particularly as it relates to Latinx tender-age children (below the age of twelve). In the current political climate, Latinx children are precariously positioned to live under the constant threat of family separation due to anti-immigrant policies and xenophobic school climates. This hostile environment can have devastating effects …

Exploring Teaching Language With Culture, Sixin Fu

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio contains the author's insights into teaching a second language, which she gained while in the Master of Second Language Teaching (MSLT) program at Utah State University (USU). It is organized in two major sections: teaching perspectives and research perspectives. The content reflects the author’s main focus and value on language teaching as a graduate instructor and student.

In the teaching perspectives section, the author shares the professional environment that she wants to work in, her teaching philosophy statement, and the professional development in language education through observing her colleagues’ teaching. In the research perspectives, two research papers and …

Teaching Chinese As A Second Language In A Supportive Student-Centered Environment, Linqi Peng

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio is a compilation that includes the author’s research, thoughts, and opinions while studying in the Master of Second Language Teaching (MSLT) program at Utah State University (USU). It represents the author’s reflections and perspectives as a MSLT graduate student and as a graduate instructor who taught Chinese as a Second Language courses to undergraduates at beginners’ levels.

Three sections are included in the portfolio. It begins with the author’s teaching perspectives, including professional environment, teaching philosophy statement, and professional development through teaching observations. In the second section, two research papers demonstrate her research interests in the practices of …

A Case Study Of Four Districts' Procedures For Identifying And Serving Culturally, Linguistically, And Economically Diverse Gifted And Talented Students In One State, Mackenzie Anderson

Curriculum and Instruction Undergraduate Honors Theses

The underrepresentation of culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse students is a problem historically researched in gifted and talented programs. This problem largely comes from the way districts identify for giftedness as well as the programming for gifted students. Traditional methods of identification often largely exclude students due to racial or ethnic bias and harsh cut-off scores on tests. This study investigated the current identification procedures of four districts in one state. Additionally, the study addressed programming and how these districts specifically targeted underserved populations within their district. Data were collected through interviews with four District Coordinators from school districts with …

A Phenomenological Case Study Exploring The In-Home Experiences Of African Americans Pursuing Stem Degrees At A Historically Black College, Michael Lewis

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Exploring the In-Home Experiences of African American Students Pursuing STEM Degrees is a Phenomenological Case study that examines the experiences of five African American students at a Historically Black College. This study explores the internal (within oneself) and external (interactions with parents and siblings) attributes of the in-home experiences; Focusing on how the internal and external experiences impacted African American studentsâ?? decisions to pursue STEM degrees. Data was collected over a period of nine months, notes were transcribed, and analyzed for themes. The themes that emerged were (1) Conflict Experienced Early on Improves Character Development. (2) Your Focus Influences Who …