Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons^™

Can I Live: Examining The Self-Worth Of Black Men Enrollment In Community College, Lavon Williams

Journal of Research Initiatives

T

This study aimed to describe Black men’s self-worth and lived experience in community college. According to research, community colleges are the first option for many Black men. Through qualitative research methods, this study examines the believed self-worth of Black men enrolled in community college and matches its findings to Jay Z’s (1998) classic song Can I Live. Findings from this study identify the internal fight Black men have pursuing an education as a means to achieve upward mobility. Lastly, this study provides insight to aid policymakers, higher education practitioners, and Black families to understand better how to address Black …

The Lived Experiences Of Teachers Of Color And Racial Microaggressions, Torine Champion, Linda Wilson-Jones

Journal of Research Initiatives

This qualitative study describes the lived experiences of teachers of color and identify commonalities within the lived experiences of teachers of color employed in predominately White K–12 schools. This study utilized interpretive phenomenological analysis, viewed through the White racial frame lens. There were 15 participants who were included in this research study. Participants were teachers of color with at least five years of teaching experience in predominately White K–12 environments. Data collection procedures included confidential virtual, semi-structured interviews with specific information the researcher wanted to explore. A lack of professional connectivity and microaggression was revealed as a theme. While teachers …

Identity And Coping: Deaf Sign Language Interpreters And Secondary Traumatic Stress, Debra L. Russell, Cathy J. Chovaz, Wayne Nicholson, Margie English, Victoria Paquette

Journal of Interpretation

This article describes the results of a mixed methods study with 47 Deaf sign language interpreters (D-SLIs) and their experiences with secondary traumatic stress (STS). By replicating Daly and Chovaz (2020) research, this study contributes data based on the unique experiences of Canadian and American Deaf interpreters and allows us to contrast the findings to the original study with non-Deaf interpreters (ND-SLIs). The findings reveal that the majority of D-SLIs did not experience clinical levels of STS, compassion satisfaction, anxiety, or burnout. In looking at the results, one-third of the D-SLIs showed comparable levels of STS and compassion satisfaction but …

The Role Social Emotional Learning (Sel) Plays In The Education Of Refugee Els, Peter A. Walblay

Masters Theses

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this project is to explore and collect data to demonstrate areas of need in the modern education system. Specifically, this research focuses on the socioemotional learning scenarios that may be absent in the teaching of refugee ELs. Lastly, this thesis works to provide suggestions about how to use this data to further develop best practices in teaching to better serve all students.

SUBJECTS: The subjects in this thesis are refugee English Language Learners (ELs) in classrooms throughout the Midwest region of the United States; with a specific focus on a public high …

Exploring Minority Underrepresented Aviation/Aerospace Students’ Mental Health And Success In Higher Education, Jorge L. D. Albelo, Stacey Mcintire, Sophie E. Dubois, Tahmina Tisha, Kammi Matsumoto, Jack Ho, Luke M. Jones

Publications

As enrollment trends continue to rise in higher education, mental health-related concerns are also on the rise. Underrepresented minority students are tasked with balancing the general pressures of life along with maintaining grades, and oftentimes having to work to pay for college. Therefore, underrepresented minorities’ experiences related to mental health can be unique. Institutions of higher education work to understand the needs of their students so that they can provide better support services and improve retention. The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of underrepresented minority students in an undergraduate aviation/aerospace degree program related to mental health. …

So You Want To Teach Abroad?: A Guide For Prospective English Language Teachers, Michelle Mcmurray

TESOL MA Projects

Teaching English abroad has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life. There are so many benefits to teaching English abroad, such as the opportunity to travel around the world and engage with other cultures, learn new languages, and develop both personal and professional skills. I have been fortunate to teach in China, Kenya, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. My teaching responsibilities varied greatly in each country, and while these experiences were incredibly positive overall, each brought its own set of unique challenges. I often felt underqualified or too inexperienced for my roles, found myself in …

Effects Of Language Status, Community Advice, And Parent Beliefs On Heritage Language Maintenance In The U.S.: A Scoping Review, Jasmine Loeung

University Honors Theses

This scoping review examines the effects of language status, community advice to parents, and parents' beliefs on heritage language maintenance within a U.S. context. A total of 34 articles met the inclusion criteria. Four key themes were identified as follows: (1) status of a language in society affects maintenance, (2) parents' beliefs about the impact of the heritage language affect family language practices, (3) community advice impacts parents' beliefs and practices, (4) other factors affecting maintenance of the heritage language across generations. Overall, HL maintenance was observed as a dynamic relationship between a variety of factors, with individuals as well …

“I’M Here, I Can Help”: Supporting Southeast Asian American Community College Students, Johanna M. Tigert, Phitsamay S. Uy, Argyro A. Armstrong, Francine Coston, Elias Nader

Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement

This study examined the experiences of Asian American students with one community college’s student services: Writing Center, Financial Aid Center, and Asian American Student Center (AASC). Data included survey responses, focus group interviews, and individual student interviews. Chi square tests were conducted to see if there were significant differences in participants’ responses based on ethnicity (Cambodian/Khmer vs. other), gender, and age (traditionally vs. non-traditionally aged). Focus group and individual interview data were analyzed thematically. Results showed that about half of the students had accessed the Writing Center and the AASC, while over 85% accessed the Financial Aid Center. There were …

International K-12 Schools Seeking U.S. Accreditation: An Analysis Of The Rationales Involved In Earning Accreditation Through The Western Association Of Schools And Colleges, Kerri Knapp

Capstone Collection

The international K-12 school market is growing fast, and new international schools are opening every year. Hundreds of those international K-12 schools seek out accreditation to help validate their institution’s authenticity. Accreditation allows potential students and families to trust that the education provided is legitimate according to a set of principles and standards provided by the accreditation organization. Colleges and universities, particularly those in the United States, where thousands of international students strive to be accepted, typically require students to matriculate from an accredited school. With this market growth comes a need for accountability, and therein lies accreditation. The United …

Culturally Diverse Literature And Social Inclusion In Elementary Classrooms, Amanda Works

The Kabod

This qualitative study explored the use of culturally diverse literature in correlation to social inclusion, which is crucial for students’ social, emotional, and academic well-being. The purpose was to identify if culturally diverse literature could effectively promote social inclusion in diverse classrooms.

Presented at the National Collegiate Research Conference at Harvard University, January 2023.

See Senior Honors Thesis.

Supporting Oaxacan Youth Mental Health, Academic Achievement, And Cultural Connection, Itahi Arteaga, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, Rebecca Heymann

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Oaxacan Indigenous youth in the U.S. experience generational, cultural, and social conflicts that impact their participation, performance, and well-being, yet there are no occupation-based programs that address their mental health, academic achievement, and cultural connection In San Diego.

The purpose of the capstone project was to develop a culturally-informed occupational therapy program for Oaxacan indigenous youth that will motivate and provide the skills needed to navigate different cultures while encouraging belonging.

Uncovering University Teachers' Perspectives: Conceptualizations, Factors, And Perceptions Of Second Language Learner Engagement, Eman I. M. Alzaanin

The Qualitative Report

Second language (L2) learner engagement has been a key theme in applied linguistics over the past two decades; however, teachers' voices have been largely absent from L2 learner engagement research. In addition, little is known about what learner engagement means to L2 language teachers. Through semi-structured, in-depth interviews, this study aims to capture the conceptualizations of learner engagement and the perceptions of the factors facilitating or hindering learner engagement in L2 learning in a Saudi university context, as expressed by 12 English as a Foreign Language university (EFL) teachers. The data analysis method used was inductive thematic analysis. The findings …

A Strategic Exploration Of Bilingual Education Policy: An Interpretive Policy Analysis, Abbie Strunc, Helen Berg, Amber J. Godwin

School Leadership Review

Language diversity in the United States has always been part of its history, yet policy and funding have not always promoted bilingualism or multiculturalism. Throughout the history of bilingual education, administrators, politicians, and policymakers have changed their preferences and practices in response to trends and ideological shifts (Crawford, 2004). Even with a plethora of research regarding the benefits of bilingualism and biliteracy in support of bilingual education (Baker, 201; Camilleri, 1996; Fuh Suh, 2022; Goodman, & Tastanbek, 2021; McCarty, 1980), the literature on bilingual policy exclusively focuses on the use of two languages as languages of instruction with the sole …

Feel The Burn(Out) And (Mom)Guilt Of Doctorate Programs Amongst Latina Mothers: A Testiomonio Reflection, Judyann Armijo

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus. This research aims to explore the experiences of Latina mothers residing in San Antonio, Texas, using testimonios as a form of data collection; asynchronous interviews were completed to obtain the participants' experiences as they journeyed through their respective doctoral programs. Through this qualitative study, the research provided an in-depth analysis to understand the relationship between motherhood, academia, and culture in relation to advanced degrees. In this study, LatCrit served as the leading theoretical framework, allowing the researcher to understand the obstacles the participants underwent not only as doctoral students but also as the other critical roles in …

Understanding Administrators' Perceptions Of Gifted Ell Students, Abigail Eaton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Students with gifts and talents are identified in school districts across the nation. However, there is severe underrepresentation of minority groups in gifted education programs, specifically students with ELL backgrounds. This issue is important because students from diverse backgrounds are the fastest growing group of the K-12 population. If the issue is not addressed, many talents will be overlooked and underdeveloped (Peters & Engerrand, 2016). The purpose of this study was to analyze administrators’ perceptions of gifted ELL students.

Participants in this study include six administrators from a small, rural district in Southcentral Kentucky. All of the administrators participated in …

Building Teachers’ Capacity To Implement Equitable Family, School, And Community Partnerships Through School Psychologists’ Consultation: The Partnership Capacity Building Consultation Model And Case Study, Bryanna S. Fatigate

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The urgency to prioritize equity-driven policies is amplified by the disproportionate education and health outcomes that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eradicating inequity demands the prioritization of robust family, school, and community partnerships (FSCP). For decades, research has highlighted the benefits of FSCP, which may include improvements in student academic achievement, behavior, ratings of school climate, and attendance; furthermore, FSCP is associated with higher guardian involvement, mentor opportunities, career development, and a reduced need for more intensive services such as special education (Adelman & Taylor, 2015; Anderson- Butcher & Anderson, 2018; Constantino, 2016). To reap the benefits of such partnerships, …

Teacher Perceptions Of Advanced Ability English Language Learners (Ell), Dena Redmond

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study explored teacher perceptions of English language learners and giftedness. High school content teachers participated in an interview identifying behaviors that indicate advanced abilities from a series of three vignettes about English language learners. A total of four participants were interviewed. The four emergent themes were (1) critical thinking (2) rate of language acquisition, (3) motivation, and (4) use of language. The themes were behaviors that teachers perceived as demonstrating potential or demonstrating limited potential for advanced learning in English language learners.

International Doctoral Student Experiences In Educational Administration Programs In The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Ping Robert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: In recent years, more international students are enrolling in Educational Administration (EA) programs in the United States. While EA programs wish to recruit and retain international students, more research is needed on supporting international graduate students in graduate education programs and EA programs specifically. Purpose: The present phenomenological study aims to understand the experience of international doctoral students in U.S. EA programs. The present research was guided by the question: “What is the essence of international postgraduate student experiences in EA programs in the United States?” Methodology: The present study used hermeneutic phenomenology to describe and interpret data from …

Exploring The Experiences Of Underrepresented Students Pursuing Health-Related Graduate Or Professional Programs, Alison Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For many years graduate and professional education programs for the health professions have sought to increase the diversity of their student body to include students from a wider variety of backgrounds. Increasing the diversity of healthcare providers is an essential component of addressing inequities in healthcare. However, despite initiatives to increase racial and ethnic diversity in the health professions, these professions remain largely White and female. Previous researchers have sought to identify the reasons that racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in healthcare, and the barriers to persistence and success. Little research exists explaining why men are underrepresented in the …

Commonalities In Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies For Autism Spectrum Disorder And English Language Learners, Kimberly Michelle O'Mara

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Many English language learners experience life on the Autism spectrum. These students will spend much of their day in the general education setting, and teachers will need effective and proven strategies to support them. The data show that Autism Spectrum Disorder is increasing among all populations (CDC, 2023). Current understandings and influences on these learners will be explored. This review examines evidence-based practices presented by premier sources in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorder and English language learning, seeking commonalities in strategies. Using the findings from the National Standards Report and the National Clearinghouse for Autism Evidence & Practice cross-referenced …

Evaluating The Impact Of Culturally Informed Interventions On Nebraska's Refugees: A Pilot Study With Healthcare Workers, Falah Nayif Rashoka

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Refugees in the US are at increased risk of poor health outcomes, spanning mental health and general well-being, compared with American-born individuals. With the rapid growth of the refugee population in Nebraska, the need to train healthcare providers to provide culturally competent care has never been greater. A common point of access to healthcare for the refugee population after resettlement is via local health departments and the primary healthcare network. Recent estimates show close to five thousand Yazidi refugees living in Nebraska, most of whom moved after 2009 based on federal legislation admitting those who served in the …

Translanguaging Practices And Perspectives Of Three Bilingual Teachers, Lillian Ramos

Theses and Dissertations

This is an ethnographic case study that explores and examines the translanguaging practices of three bilingual teachers in a rural elementary school in deep south Texas.

Translanguaging guides this analysis.

Translanguaging In Science Emergent Bilingual Classrooms, Maria Fernanda Moya

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Overall, this literature review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the research on translanguaging in the science classroom at middle school and high school levels and to highlight its potential as a pedagogical approach to promote scientific inquiry and support the linguistic and cultural diversity of emergent bilingual students. By synthesizing existing research and identifying openings in the literature, this review aims to contribute to ongoing discussions about the role of language in science education and the importance of promoting equitable access to scientific knowledge for all bilingual learners. Various case studies around translanguaging in STEM education have been …

Culturally Responsive Music Education: History And Applications In Instrumental Music Education, Brandilyn L. Davidson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The foundations for music education in America were built upon Eurocentric values, utilizing both folk and classical music from western Europe to cultivate an American music curriculum that greatly marginalizes non-white students. This long-standing tradition of positioning European music as superior to all others by allowing it to dominate the school curriculum is viewed by some as structural racism. Over the last 50 years there has been significant theory, practice and research into decolonizing the music curriculum and providing social justice for students in the classroom. One method to achieve these goals is culturally responsive music education–a student centered theory …

Navigating Cultural Identity In The Classroom, Caroline V. Phillips

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

As of 2016, ~25% of children in the United States are the children of immigrants (Nibbs & Brettell). Many of these youths struggle with the feeling that they belong neither to their parents’ cultural community nor to the locality in which they have been raised (Brockett, 2018). Furthermore, little academic research exists wherein these students share their experiences and engage in the processes of meaning making. This knowledge is essential for multicultural scholars and also for the (overwhelmingly white) population of K-6 teachers who help these youth construct personal identities. This project accomplishes the following:

1. I interview second-generation immigrants …

Investigation Of Chinese Students’ Writing Perceptions At An English Young Writers Camp, Jingshu Chen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study explores how a young writers camp that catered to 40 Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, ranging from students entering the fourth grade to seventh grade, mediated the students’ writing perceptions. More specifically, the main objective of this research was to investigate the impact of the camp on the students' perceptions of writing and their self-identification as writers. The study employed the theoretical framework of Cultural Historical Activity Theory to guide the analysis. Various types of data were collected from the 40 participating students, including pre- and post-camp survey questions, classroom observations, and open-ended interviews. By …

Sociolinguistics Of Saudi Vision 2030: Paradigm Shift Through English Faculty’S Perspectives Of Translanguaging At A Saudi University., Naif Masrahi

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

Many educational systems around the world insist on applying an English Only Policy (EOP) when teaching the English language at universities without addressing their contextual needs. In Saudi Arabia, this problem leads to reduced satisfaction among faculty regarding students’ English level (Alharbi & Alqefari, 2022; Alkhairy, 2013; Alqahtani, 2020; Alsaawi, 2019; Alshammari, 2022; Altale & Alta’ani, 2019; Alzahrani, 2019; Elyas & Picard, 2010). However, the new educational transformation promised by Saudi Vision 2030 (2016) supports the Arabic language as a mother tongue for Saudis, English as an important language, and the teaching of critical thinking to respond to current global …

Si Solo Nos Dan Esta Oportunidad: Stories Of Transnational Students In An Intercultural Secondary Program In Santa Fe De La Laguna, Michoacán, México., Minea Armijo, Minea Armijo Romero

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

The research aimed to explore the long-term effects of intercultural bilingual programs on Indigenous bilingual students residing in transnational communities. Employing a phenomenological research design, this qualitative study incorporated interviews, focus groups, classroom observations, and artifact analysis. Specifically, it investigated an intercultural education program at the secondary level and its influence on transnational students, their families, and the teachers at the Preparatoria Indígena Intercultural de Santa Fe de la Laguna in Michoacán, México. This research contributes to the growing field of bilingual education research in México by examining the interconnections between transnationalism and Bilingual Intercultural models of education, thus proposing …

“That Felt Weird”: International Graduate Students’ Emerging Critical Awareness Of Their Experiences With Microaggression, Romaisha Rahman

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to uncover and understand international graduate students’ experiences with microaggressions that stem from native speaker fallacy; microaggressions are the subtle discriminatory behaviors executed toward marginalized groups and native speaker fallacy is the false belief that only some “native” English speakers are effective teachers and users of the language. Put simply, this research aimed at unveiling the subtle language-based discriminations that international graduate students experience in their day-to-day lives in U.S. educational settings. To collect data for the study, the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was utilized. CIT is a method that allows the …

Supporting Multilingual Learners’ Reading Competence: A Multiple Case Study Of Teachers’ Instruction And Student Learning And Motivation, Melissa A. Gallagher, Jori S. Beck, Erin M. Ramirez, Ana Taboada Barber, Michelle M. Buehl

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Supporting students’ reading competence (i.e., their comprehension and vocabulary) is complex, particularly when working with multilingual learners, and involves implementing instructional practices to support their behavioral engagement in reading as well as their reading motivation. The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to examine changes in multilingual learners’ reading comprehension, academic vocabulary, reading engagement, and reading motivation after participating in a 7-week intervention called United States History for Engaged Reading (USHER) and then examine qualitative data to explain why these changes may have occurred. We found changes in the reading comprehension of MLs across all four teachers’ classes, …