Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons^™

Thai Americans: A Poem Collection Featuring "Bilingual หมา Standard Poodle" And "Last Name กู Too Long", Simon Boonsripaisal, Ravadee Boonsripaisal

Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement

This is a co-authored poem collection focusing on Thai American life. In Bilingual หมา Standard Poodle, interactions and observations are made between a Thai American family and their supportive standard poodle named Pumpkin. This poem interjects on the disaggregated Southeast Asian American experience with inclusion of a pet companion. In Last Name กู Too Long, a Thai American graduate student discusses with their mother the challenges of gaining employment. This poem brings attention to hiring bias in the screening and interview process.

Better Together: Attitudinal And Institutional Change For Stereotype And Prejudice Reduction, Diana Quito

Essays in Education

This article begins by examining the adverse effects of ostracization on students' mental health and academic performance. It identifies deficit thinking within educational institutions as contributing to the social exclusion experienced by students, leading to their psychological need for belonging going unmet. Deficit thinking, fuelled by racist and classist ideologies, theorizes that the blame for a student’s failure in school results from their inherent deficiencies. Deficit thinking oppresses and marginalizes students by justifying harmful practices such as school segregation and scientific racism. Schools serving communities of color are disproportionately impacted, compromising students’ educational achievement and prospects. To disrupt deficit thinking, …

Influence Of The Linguistic Context On The Comprehension Of Complex Sentences, Angeline Miersma, Ligia Gomez Franco

Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education

Abstract

This study examined English learners' comprehension of complex sentences and compared scores between a school in Boston and an American school in Bolivia. Studies have covered topics such as home language input, societal interactions, classroom influences, and language of instruction. Other research has centered on the comprehension of specific linguistic structures and the requisite skills. A considerable amount of the data is acquired from sample populations of bilingual students living in the United States, attending an English immersive school. The current study compared language comprehension scores between kindergarteners attending school in the greater Boston area in the United States …

A Critically Self-Reflexive Model For Leader Professional Development: Centering Intersectionality, Aubrey H. Wang, Margaret Grogan

Education Faculty Books and Book Chapters

This concluding chapter describes one way to think about leadership development for a new generation of educational leaders with intersectional identities. Leaders who are committed to Critical Leadership Praxis (CLP) (Pak & Ravitch, 2021) need ongoing professional learning to remain true to their transformative mission. Wang and Grogan point out the limitations of traditional models of professional learning in education leadership and outline why it is imperative that leaders are encouraged to author their own professional identity anchored in their personal identities. They propose storytelling as a critically reflective leadership development tool and describe their process and concept. By combining …

Introduction: Leading Social Change From The Lived Experience Of Intersectionality, Margaret Grogan, Aubrey H. Wang

Education Faculty Books and Book Chapters

This introductory chapter explains why education leadership for social change is an urgent priority and how principals, superintendents and other leaders who identify as anti-racist, inclusive, and activist can conceptualize their work. To frame the examples of Critical Leadership Praxis (CLP), (Pak & Ravitch, 2021) that the seven practitioner-scholars write about, Grogan and Wang describe the current context of leadership expectations and review the development of leadership theories alternative to the mainstream discourse. They outline current theories of intersectionality, and consider how storytelling and counter stories can illuminate the value of lived experiences of multiple marginality. This introduction also describes …

Language Equity In The Undergraduate Classroom: Fostering Language Diversity In The World Of Standard Academic English., Gabriela Johnson

Higher Learning Research Communications

In this essay, I explore the complex intersection of language, identity, and education with a particular focus on the importance of fostering linguistic equity in higher education settings. It is imperative for higher education institutions to reevaluate language-related practices and foster linguistic diversity and equity. Drawing upon linguistic theories and real-world examples, I highlight how language is deeply intertwined with personal identity, culture, and heritage. Various English dialects, such as African American Vernacular English, Chicano English, and others, are highlighted as valid linguistic expressions rather than deviations from a supposed standard. The role of standard academic English (SAE) in academia …

Roadmap For Internationally-Trained Professionals, Marina Chakmakchi Mppm, Ll.M.

Global Talent Navigator

Intended Audience: Prospective students with prior education and credentials from abroad seeking to pursue their education at USM

Goal: to help internationally-trained professionals make informed academic and career choices

Immigrant-Origin Students At Usm: Summary Of Report Recommendations, Marina Chakmakchi Mppm, Ll.M.

Global Talent Navigator

Table showing a summary of short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations from the 2024 Report on Immigrant-Origin Students at USM.

Immigrant-Origin Students At The University Of Southern Maine, Marina Chakmakchi Mppm, Ll.M.

Global Talent Navigator

Document providing an abbreviated version of the full report. Consists of 25 pages and shows the charts and bullet points.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Immigrants are a vital part of Maine's economy and population. By supporting immigrant-origin students in higher education, USM can help to ensure that Maine has a well-educated workforce and a thriving economy. USM graduates contribute to the State’s workforce, enrich communities with their cultural perspectives, and become leaders in their chosen fields. By investing in their success, USM is investing in the future of Maine.

Immigrant-Origin Students: Data Analysis, Marina Chakmakchi Mppm, Ll.M.

Global Talent Navigator

Info sheet showing excerpts from AY21-22 and AY22-23 immigrant-origin students data analysis and from Summer 2023 survey of 95 multicultural students.

Internationally Trained Professionals (Itps), Marina Chakmakchi Mppm, Ll.M.

Global Talent Navigator

Info sheet showing excerpts from AY21-22 and AY22-23 data analysis on internationally trained professionals at USM and from Summer 2023 survey of 95 multicultural students.

Immigrant-Origin Students At The University Of Southern Maine [Report], Marina Chakmakchi Mppm, Ll.M.

Global Talent Navigator

Document providing the full report. Consists of 62 pages plus appendices.

Executive Summary and Highlights

The University of Southern Maine (USM) is uniquely positioned to serve as a regional educational hub for New Americans. USM helps New Americans to achieve their educational goals, become self-sufficient, and thrive in Maine’s communities. This report and its findings aim to guide future endeavors in attracting and retaining immigrant-origin students. The proposed recommendations will foster an inclusive campus, ultimately contributing to the well-being of the entire student population at USM. This report attempts to offer system improvements to effectively address the needs of immigrant-origin …

Virginia History Standards And Inclusivity, Laura Byers

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

Diversity in the Commonwealth of Virginia is increasing rapidly and there is some concern among citizens that the Social Studies Standards of Learning are not accurately representative of the student population. The purpose of this study was to analyze and assess the current Standards of Learning for diversity and inclusion. The research study was a content analysis of the 2023 Social Studies Standards of Learning. It was found that the standards do not currently reflect the diversity of the student population. The results of this research study highlights gaps in diversity and inclusion of racial/ethnic groups and genders in Standards …

Analysis Of Policy Implementation: Improving Reading Proficiency Outcomes For All Students, Mariela Magro-Malo

Education Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the implementation and impact of reading improvement initiatives mandated by Texas House Bill 3 (2019) within a Texas school district. By applying improvement science principles, the study employs a mixed-methods embedded research design to evaluate the alignment of district practices with the Science of Reading and assess the effectiveness of systemic approaches in enhancing student reading outcomes. The research identifies statistically significant improvements in reading achievement, particularly in kindergarten, following the adoption of a phonics curriculum and mandated reading assessment tools. However, the findings also reveal challenges, notably the disconnect between policy understanding and practical implementation among …

Women Strength: Using Photovoice To Explore Female Chinese International Students’ Experiences, Yue Cai

Doctoral Dissertations

Female Chinese international students face discrimination and stereotypes in Western academia based on race and gender, yet they possess unique “Women Strength” characterized by agency, resilience, and self-advocacy. This study explores how these students navigate cultural differences and develop their strengths while studying in the U.S. Drawing upon “Women Strength” as a theoretical framework, including Community Cultural Wealth, Critical Feminist Theory- Chinese feminism, decolonial feminism, and transnational feminism, transformative agency, resilience theory, and self-advocacy theory, this research employs a qualitative approach, including Photovoice and autoethnography. Three research questions guide the study: 1) What cultural differences do female Chinese international students …

Speaking Up: A Narrative Inquiry Of International Students' Active Verbal Engagement In Classrooms At A Southeastern American University, Sabrina Xiaoyan Liu

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

This qualitative narrative research investigated successful cases of international students who actively verbally participate and speak up during academic or coursework discussions in the classrooms. More specifically, the aim of this narrative inquiry was to capture the lived and living experiences of English language learners (ELLs) navigating American mainstream classrooms. Moreover, this qualitative study explored how they perceive the impact of their English language proficiency on their verbal engagement during class. I recruited participants through the international office at a southeastern university in the United States. After an initial phone screening session to verify that each interested participant met the …

Diversifying The ‘Hsi Bubble’: Black And Asian Women Faculty At Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Elena M. Venegas, Jacqueline B. Koonce, Lorenza Lancaster, Julissa Bazan, Adriana Garza

Bilingual and Literacy Studies Faculty Publications

This qualitative case study explored the experiences of seven Black and Asian women faculty at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The unique experience of each woman is shared in this paper. Three themes highlight the interconnectedness of participant experiences. The first theme indicated that these Black and Asian women faculty operated in unsupportive microclimates within their HSIs. Secondly, participants communicated a need for representation within the ‘HSI bubble.’ Finally, our participants felt as though their HSIs needed to exercise greater intentionality in terms of truly serving their student populations. Amongst the implications of this research is a better understanding of the experiences …

Exploring The Mutual Benefits Of Reciprocal Mentorship In A Community-Based Program: Fostering Community Cultural Wealth Of Latino Students And Families, Elizabeth Gil, Ceceilia Parnther

GSE Faculty Publications

This case study examines reciprocal mentoring in a community-based program (CBP) serving immigrant Latino families with school-aged children. University student volunteers shared technological and college knowledge and grew in leadership skills. Simultaneously, they gained familial and cultural support and belonging from program families. The CBP fostered all forms of community cultural wealth capital. Study findings can inform educational leaders seeking to develop mutually beneficial partnerships between education institutions and community organizations to support student success

Navigating Foreign Language Anxiety In Saudi Classrooms: Examining Classroom Environment, Teacher Strategies, And Learner Perspectives, Amal Obaid Alnefaie

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates foreign language anxiety (FLA) in the context of Saudi Arabian classrooms, focusing on perceptions from both teachers and students. The research aims to identify factors influencing FLA, examine classroom environments, and offer insights to enhance foreign language teaching and learning in Saudi Arabia. Using a survey-based approach, data were collected through Likert-type scales and open-ended questions to explore FLA across various dimensions.

Section 1 analyzed Likert-scale responses, revealing diverse levels of FLA among participants, with students often expressing neutral to disagreeing attitudes towards statements reflecting anxiety about language learning and classroom participation. Section 2 explored sociocultural factors …

Attitudes Of Algerian Emi And Non-Emi Lecturers And Students Toward English, Sana Touahmia, Farhana Bakar

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the attitudes of English medium instruction (EMI) lecturers and students and non-EMI lecturers and students toward English in Algeria. The Algerian government plans to implement English as a medium of instruction in higher education.

Methods: The research was carried out at an Algerian university where French is the primary language of instruction, but English is used as the medium of instruction for certain courses in the engineering department. Data were gathered through a questionnaire, which was distributed to a group comprised of 52 EMI lecturers, 226 EMI students, 70 …

Bridging Words And Worlds: Innovative Writing Strategies For Adolescent Multilingual Learners, Robert A. Griffin

Journal of English Learner Education

This paper presents culturally responsive writing prompts, peer collaboration and language exchange, and multimodal writing experiences as three strategies to enhance adolescent multilingual learners’ English writing skills while leveraging their linguistic and cultural diversity. Culturally responsive writing prompts connect students’ personal experiences with academic tasks to enhance engagement and authenticity in writing. Peer collaboration, language exchange, and peer review foster a supportive learning community and improve writing skills through shared linguistic and cultural knowledge. Multimodal writing experiences broaden students’ expressive capabilities beyond traditional text by utilizing visual, digital, and oral modes of communication. Technology and AI integration in writing instruction …

Empowering English-Language Learners Through Acting, Translanguaging, And Collaborative Devising, Natasha L. Yannacanedo

Journal of English Learner Education

The author explores the transformative potential of using acting, translanguaging, and collaborative devising as tools for linguistic and personal development among English Language Learners (ELLs). Through a reflective narrative of teaching Acting I to ELL students, the paper delves into the challenges and successes encountered in integrating acting, translanguaging, and devising into the curriculum. Emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between acting and language learning, the author discusses how expressive language development, vocabulary acquisition, and enhanced pronunciation skills were cultivated. Additionally, the paper considers the role of translanguaging in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students' linguistic diversity is celebrated …

Teacher Candidates’ Service-Learning With English Learners, Hsiaoping Wu

Journal of English Learner Education

This study explores the impact of a service-learning project with English Learners (ELs) on the instructional, conceptual, and emotional development of teacher candidates. Participants are pre-service teachers who work with ELs enrolled in elementary schools in Texas through a partnership with the Community in Schools (CIS) organization. The participants’ reflective journals provided qualitative evidence of the field experience and the students’ in-class discussions and projects. A qualitative analysis indicated four themes related to instruction techniques and emotional development from these field experiences: (1) the modified strategies can facilitate students’ comprehension, (2) the domains of languages, (3) increased confidence and empathy, …

Cooperating Teachers’ Views And Practices About Teaching Emergent Bilinguals In General Education Classrooms, Tunde Szecsi, Janka Szilagyi

Journal of English Learner Education

Cooperating teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and practices influence teacher candidates’ views and practices. Therefore, this study examined mainstream cooperating teachers’ perceptions about critical components of effective instruction for English learners, and the relationship between these teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices. We interviewed 55 teachers and completed a 90-minute observation in each classroom. We analyzed the interviews for common themes, and we used descriptive statistics to summarize the observation data. The findings indicated that teachers were well-versed in evidence-based instructional activities and strategies. However, many teachers found it challenging to infuse ELs’ language, culture and experiential background into their instruction.

Addressing Language And Content In Civics Through A Language-Based Approach To Content Instruction For Multilingual Learners, Jia Gui, Luciana C. De Oliveira

Journal of English Learner Education

This study explores the integration of a language-based approach to content instruction’s (LACI) six Cs of support into an existing civics lesson plan to improve content and language learning for multilingual learners. We used the Civics for All curriculum from the New York City Department of Education to identify lesson plans that could be enhanced for teaching multilingual learners. The findings of integrating the LACI framework indicated that the existing lesson plans could be enhanced by adding all the Cs to ensure full support for multilingual learners. We conclude with strategies for integrating the LACI framework into existing civics lesson …

Performing Anti-Oppressive Education In A Private Dual-Language Immersion Elementary School, María Luisa Miguéliz Valcarlos

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the U.S., dual-language immersion programs have played a fundamental role in reducing the opportunity (and achievement) gap for Latinx Spanish-speaker students by centering their cultural backgrounds, knowledge, and overall well-being. Nonetheless, scholars have expressed concern that dual language programs teaching in Spanish and English may reproduce unbalanced power relations between historically minoritized and privileged groups. Research in bilingual education has shown that curriculum and instruction in dual-language immersion programs often benefit English-dominant students and risk contributing to reproducing social inequities. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the role of curriculum in addressing or reproducing social inequities …

Khi Ăn, Nhai Kỹ (When Eating, Chew Carefully): Poetry Collection, Ngoc My T. Tran

Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement

In this poetry collection, I used my own experiences as a Vietnamese-American to present a realistic image of life in America as a minority. With the use of translanguaging and presentation of social norms in both Vietnamese and American cultures, my hope is to promote awareness of issues such as racism, colorism, body shaming, and language insecurity among Asian communities so that these problems can be healthily addressed. Khi ăn, nhai kỹ (When eating, chew carefully) is a Vietnamese proverb and is similar to the saying "think before you speak," by naming the collection this, it serves as an underlying …

Post-Baccalaureate Research Experiences For Students At Two Hispanic-Serving Institutions (Experience), Dessaray Monique Gorbett, Benjamin C. Flores, Cristina Villalobos, Sara E. Rodriguez, Ariana (Ari) Arciero, Josef A. Sifuentes

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

This study examines the implementation of a one-year program that offered post-baccalaureate research experiences to a cohort of recent STEM graduates from two large Hispanic-serving institutions. Both institutions are collaborators in an NSF Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) grant, which is dedicated to enhancing the academic experience of historically underrepresented minorities. Applicants were either self-nominated or were nominated by faculty to participate in the post-baccalaureate program. Following an application process that included an interview, selected participants were matched to research faculty and committed to engage in a high-impact research project for at least one semester and for up …

Why Courageous Cuentos?, Back Matter 05

CouRaGeouS Cuentos: A Journal of Counternarratives

No abstract provided.

Author Bios, Back Matter 04

CouRaGeouS Cuentos: A Journal of Counternarratives

No abstract provided.