Educational Methods Commons^™

¿CóMo Se Dice En EspañOl? : Language, Self-Expression, And Development Of A Young Bilingual Child, Margaret Blachly

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper addresses three areas of early childhood development and education: a Language development of a native Spanish-speaking child in a dual-language school environment. Guided art experiences as a vehicle for self-expression, language development, and personal self-awareness in a young child. The role of a non-teacher/non-family member in a young child's development of self-awareness and language. The paper presents a case study with related research, analysis, and suggestions for educators. Lauren Rodriguez (pseudonym), currently 7.8 years old, is a Mexican- American girl whose first language is Spanish. She first encountered English at her bilingual preschool, where she began attending school …

Leveling The Field: Using Rubrics To Achieve Greater Equity In Teaching And Grading, Dannelle D. Stevens, Antonia Levi

Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Rubrics can be used to assure greater consistency in grading and as a teaching tool to promote greater equity, especially with students who are first generation and /or non-native speakers of English.

Comparison Of Grade Point Average Of Honor Senior Students And College Of Liberal Arts Senior Students At A Florida University, Iwasan D. Kejawa

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

Attrition rates in theHonor College program division of Florida Atlantic University have risen in recent years. It has been determined that even though a higher high school grade point average is required for admission into the honor program of the university, many applicants to the program were under-prepared to asumme the workload demanded of the students by the Honor College. The requirements for admission into the honor program of the Florida Atlantic University is an overall high school grade point average of 3.5 and a score of 1000 points on the SAT examination while the requirement into the College of …

Integrating Technology Into Standards-Based Instruction For Second Grade English Language Learners, Catherine Levander Enbody

Theses Digitization Project

Rapid growth in the use of technology and the need for education reform resulted in the need for educators to integrate technology and standards-based instruction into their daily lessons. The growing number of students whose first language is not English requires a diverse set of teaching strategies and assessments to provide these students with optimal opportunities for achieving high standards.

Referendums Education In The United States: Reform Or Assimilation?, Francisco Ramos

School of Education Faculty Works

The antibilingüe movement that is spreading across the United States has become one of the most controversial in the debate on the education of linguistic minorities issues. Ron Unz, the California millionaire who has managed to eliminate bilingual programs in California and Arizona and trying to do the same today in Colorado and Massachusetts, is a clear example of assimilationist movement, which argues that immigrants should give up their languages and vernacular cultures to integrate into American society. This article summarizes the history of bilingualism in the United States, focusing on decisions that have affected the education of minority students, …

The Impact Of A Dual Language Program On School Climate In A Large Urban District, Nancy Navarez-Lutzke

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

.

Introducing A Foreign Language Experience Into The Elementary Curriculum: A Flex Curriculum Handbook, Deborah Michelle Doherty

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been created to assist elementary educators integrating Spanish into their curriculum. Lesson plans, activities, and supplemental materials are developed based on The Standards for Foreign Language Leaming, recommended and published by the National Association of Foreign Language Teachers and are aligned to meet the Essential Academic Leaming Requirements (EALRs) adopted by The Washington State Commission on Student Leaming. Current literature and research involving the benefits of teaching foreign language to elementary children are studied.

The Effects Of Hamilton's Power Writing Strategy On The Writing Test Scores Of Fourth-Grade Hispanic And Haitian Esol Students, Ann Elizabeth Jackman

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

The writing test scores of linguistically and culturally diverse students in Southeast Florida have been consistently lower than those of mainstream students. This quantitative, experimental study investigated the effects of the Power Writing (Hamilton, 1997) strategy on the writing test scores of fourth-grade Hispanic and Haitian ESOL students. Four null hypotheses were tested: (a) There is no significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores of the experimental group. (b) There is no significant difference between the posttest scores of the experimental and control groups. (c) There is no significant difference between the scores of the Hispanic and Haitian students. …

Querida Prima, Dear Prima : A Story For Children Seven To Ten Years Old, Stephanie Hermann

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This project is an original bilingual story of two cousins who live in two different countries. The United States and Costa Rica. They bridge their separation by writing letters and emails throughout the story. Through this correspondence they learn about each other and the have more in common in their seemingly distinct worlds than they realize. The text of the book is written in English. The correspondence between the two characters is in English with Spanish translations.

This thesis includes a rationale which explains the need for this book in a world that recognizes the importance of bilingualism and on …

Counting Quality, John Strassburger

Publications

This is the fifth in a series of occasional papers about the challenges confronting students and what Ursinus is doing to help them enter adult life.

The Impact Of Cultural Sensitivity Training On Filipino Nurses As Measured By Alterations In Caring Behaviors, Mary Beth Russell

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

.

Authentic And Conventional Tasks In Esl Students' Learning Of Grammar, Jessica A. Midraj

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of authentic tasks and conventional tasks on ESL students' achievement in grammar. In order to accomplish the purpose of this study two 3-day grammar units on the simple present and simple past were created for ESL students at the high beginner/intermediate level. Each unit had an authentic and conventional version. The sample consisted of 45 ESL students in grades six through 11 in public schools in Indiana. Two treatment groups were formulated based upon the treatment received. Group A consisted of the students who received the authentic version of Unit …

An Intergenerational Literacy Project For Migrant Families, Sandra E. Harmening, Amy C. Kiesz

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between student achievement and parental involvement was reviewed and found to be significant. A model project was developed to include seven migrant families intergenerationally within the context of the classroom. The purpose was to enhance the relationship between students and parents/guardians and between these low literacy families and the school institution. The result was projected to be a better understanding of each family's heritage, an increase in volunteerism at the school site, more interest in school work and accomplishment, and the possible residual effect of parental desire to improve their literacy skills.

Black English, Karen Tibbitts Filimoehala

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Black English has recently entered the media spotlight with the passing of the Ebonics resolution by the Oakland School Board on Dec. 18, 1996. In this resolution, the school board unanimously voted to recognize Black English or "Ebonics" (a term which combines the words "ebony" and "phonetics")(LeLand & Joseph, 1997, p. 78) as the primary language of many of its students, and to teach students in their primary language in order to maintain the "legitimacy and richness" of the language, and to help students master standard English. Needless to say, the resolution was met with highly charged arguments - some …

Journal Of Pedagogy, Pluralism And Practice, Volume 1, Issue 2, Fall 1997 (Full Issue), Journal Staff

Journal of Pedagogy, Pluralism, and Practice

This issue of the Journal of Pedagogy, Pluralism and Practice is dedicated to the memory of Paulo Freire who died on May 2, 1997 at the age of 75. Paulo Freire is the author of Pedagogy of the Oppressed, The Politics of Education, Pedagogy of the City, Pedagogy of Hope and many other books that have created a radical discourse on liberatory education and have influenced teachers, theorists and cultural workers throughout the world. His last book, Pedagogia da Autonomia: Saberes necessários à prática educativa, is not yet translated in English, but is expected soon, possibly …

A Study Of Why Some Learners Are More Successful Than Others At Acquiring A Second Language: The Roles Of Personality, Attitude & Motivation, Azah Yusof

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to convey and to support my belief that learners' affective domain, which consist of their personalities, attitudes, and motivation are responsible for causing the variation in the levels of second language proficiency of second language learners. My concern is to point out or support others who believe that second language learners are not machines that are able and willing to be programmed; they have feelings and attitudes which in turn govern their personalities and motivation. I also believe that the main focus of second language teaching should be on the "persons" learning the language, …

Prereading And Postreading Activities For Children's Multicultural Trade Books, Sandra Gail Beardsley

All Graduate Projects

A review of literature was completed to support the need for, and value of, using multicultural literature within the elementary classroom. The criteria for selecting multicultural literature was also reviewed. The project consisted of a booklist and prereading and postreading activities for twenty-five multicultural trade books. The purpose of the project was to heighten student's awareness of the multicultural community in which they live and appreciation of cultures throughout the world. The strategies and activities developed for these books were based on the whole language philosophy. The twenty-five trade books were divided into four themes: 1. Grandparents, 2. Folktales and …

How Much Does Poor Reading Lower Math Scores?, William (Bill) H. Williams, Sandra P. Clarkson Ph.D

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Profiles Of Promise: Students With Learning Difference Prepare For Optimal Foreign Language Learning, Ludmilla Coven

Dissertations

Many secondary school counselors discourage students with diagnosed native language deficits from foreign language studies. They hold the unsubstantiated belief that these studies would jeopardize their hard-earned gains in native language learning. Research disproves that position, and some writers advocate foreign language study to improve language learning and enhance cognitive strategies. Improvement occurs more readily when the instructor has the expertise to choose from a repertoire of teaching styles the one most compatible with the learning style of the student. With the full inclusion promised by the regular education initiative becoming a reality, this study explores research, design, and team-teaching …

An Interdisciplinary Multicultural Resource Guide For Middle Schools, Carol Ann Mccombs Drinkwater

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to promote multicultural education within middle school classrooms. My intent was to provide an accessible means by which other educators could incorporate or supplement their current nine month curriculums with diverse multicultural activities for students in grades 6-8. This multicultural guide was developed around an integrated curriculum. The themes or objective areas focused on the curriculum areas of Social Studies, English, Multicultural Awareness and Art. Most of all, this resource guide was developed for the purpose of providing students additional opportunities to recognize and experience differences through a positive interactive approach. This project was …

The Use Of Visuals In Second Language Instruction, Cynthia Denise Flannagan

All Graduate Projects

A project that deveIops an in-service training packet that demonstrates and explains the use of visuals in second language learning, beginning through advanced levels. Packet includes applications for visual usage in the development of writing, reading, speaking and listening skiIls in second language learners. Second language teachers, language art teachers and English as a Second Language instructors could benefit from such a packet.

Communicating With Spanish-Speaking Parents: A Resource Handbook, Joni Lynn Britt

All Graduate Projects

This project presents the development of a teacher handbook to facilitate teacher/school communication with Spanish-speaking parents. The handbook contains letters to parents in Spanish. Research of school-parent communications, and parent involvement, as well as a survey of elementary teachers was conducted. It was found that although communication with Spanish-speaking parents is often difficult, effective communication efforts promoted parent involvement and increased student achievement. The findings supported the need and benefit of a handbook of this nature. Recommendations for the implementation of the handbook are discussed.

A Whole Language Approach Integrating Children's Songs In Spanish To Enhance Language Acquisition And Literacy In The Spanish Immersion Primary Grades, Homero R. Capetillo

All Graduate Projects

An alternative method for the development of second language acquisition and literacy in a second language program was explored. A collection of Spanish children's songs and lessons utilizing "whole language" teaching strategies were compiled to supplement the language arts cμrriculum. The premise for this study was that children's songs could be used to develop activities that would enhance second language acquisition and literacy skills. Implications for the integration of music to provide a cogent transitional vehicle from spoken to written language structures are discussed.

Experience-Based Dialogues In Secondary English-As-A-Second-Language Classrooms, Carlina V. Lobos

All Graduate Projects

An informal study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of experience-based dialogues in the promotion of oral language use in secondary-level English-As-A-Second-Language classrooms. The twenty-one dialogues field-tested in the project were developed interactively, by teacher and students, in the sociocognitive context of each of the learner's background knowledge, experience and immediate communication needs. Experience-based dialogues are a method of language teaching and learning that focuses on the communicative act rather than on isolated or discrete grammatical items. An overview of the results of the informal study was presented here. Strategies for teachers to develop and implement, using this approach, were …

Collaborative Reading At Home To Assist Children With Reading Difficulties, Criste R. Goldy

All Master's Theses

The effects of a collaborative home reading program on children with reading difficulties was studied. Students selected for the study were currently enrolled in special programs for reading and/or English as a second language. Students who participated in the Reading-At-Home program made substantial and immediate gains in reading skills, although greatest gains were made by younger students (five to eight years old). Participant reactions were also discussed.

Storytelling In A Second-Language And Cross-Cultural Education: A Positive Approach To The Learner’S Unconscious Potential, Cynthia A. Jaffe

MA TESOL Collection

The paper describes the technique, and rationale of storytelling in second-language and cross-cultural education. The storytelling technique is designed to approach learners through subconscious pathways, in order to reinforce their linguistic skills, to engender a positive attitude toward their learning of the second language and their involvement in the second culture, and to stimulate the development of their creative potentials. The paper includes an extensive rationale for the application of the technique, a description and step­-by-step manual for the application of the techniques and skills involved in the telling of tales, ideas on how to select stories appropriate to the …

“Ritmos” Rhythmic Spanish Poems And Dialogues, Veronica Darer

MA TESOL Collection

This is a materials development project. It consists of "RITMOS", rhythmic poems and dialogues that supplement the teaching of oral Spanish.

The ''RITMOS" help students acquire the correct stress, intonation and pronunciation, while creating an opportunity for practice in a fun and non-threatening activity.

Each ''RITMO" focuses on different vocabulary words, grammatical structures and pronunciation difficulties.

Included is a recorded casette of the ''RITMOS" for demonstration purposes.

Even though the ''RITMOS" are targeted to beginning Spanish students, they can be adapted to more advanced levels.

Handbook For Prospective Esl Teachers To Japan, Linda Veno-Kan

MA TESOL Collection

This paper is a handbook for ESL teachers which high­lights problem areas in the Japanese ESL classroom that can affect teaching/learning effectiveness.

The introduction presents my specific teaching situation in Japan. The next section summaries the process which I use in analyzing the problem areas. Following are ten chapters each of which focuses on a problem area.

Each chapter points out both Japanese and American values in conflict and suggests teaching strategies for working with each area.

Ten Basic Grammar Hurdles For Mandarin Chinese Speakers: A Contrastive Guide For The Beginning Teacher Of Adult Mandarin Chinese Efl Students, Mark Anthony Steele

MA TESOL Collection

This handbook is written specifically for EFL teachers of Mandarin Chinese speaking students at the high elementary and intermediate levels of study. It is intended, through contrastive analysis, to provide the teacher with:

a) an understanding of why these students have particular difficulty with certain structures and sentence patterns in English;

b) a tool in predicting what ten of these patterns are; and c) strategies and activities for use in the classroom that will help the student overcome these ten hurdles in learning English.

The plan of this handbook rests on the belief that the more we as teachers understand …

Planning Task-Oriented Field Trips For Beginning Esl Students, Nikki Sarita Ellman

MA TESOL Collection

Field trips into the surrounding community can be valuable learning tools for ESL students living in the target country. These trips expose students to different facets of American culture and give them the opportunity to communicate with native speakers. Preliminary activities, tasks to be done during the trips, and follow-up activities all help students get the most out of these excursions. Beginners in particular need these activities to orient them to what they are going to see, to focus their attention, and allow them to process their feelings about the experiences. This paper addresses the many factors that must be …