Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

Critical Literacy And Digital Technology With A Novel Unit, Brandon Harrison

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains an instructional unit designed for teaching a novel unit utilizing critical literacy and digital technology at the upper-elementary level. The design of the unit is composed around relevant research-based literature which is cited and referenced in the paper. Methods for instructional delivery are provided as well as a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of key terms and critical prompts.

The Rise Of Close Reading, Jayne E. Larsen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this advanced literature review is to examine the evolution of close reading as a reading strategy. Currently, close reading is a strategy used to teach students to independently navigate through challenging text. This strategy was previously used in higher education, but as years progressed, the strategy was used less frequently. Since the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) there has been a rebirth of close reading as a reading strategy.

The literature review discusses the history and background of close reading starting in the early 1900's. Next the literature review explores instructional strategies, and effective …

Gender Stereotypes In Children's Literature, Christine C. Nebbia

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper focused on the creation of nine professional development sessions using critical literacy practices in order to analyze and examine gender stereotypes in children's literature addressed in the classroom. This professional development grew out of an in-depth examination of the research over the past 40 years addressing gender stereotypes and gender representation in children's literature, as well as, the literature on critical literacy practices and issues of social justice. The professional development sessions were designed around three major goals: to enable teachers to independently analyze children's literature for gender stereotypes; to help teachers understand the four components of …

Word Study And Its Importance To Reading And Writing In The Primary Classroom, Korie Frazier

Graduate Research Papers

The Words Their Way Spelling program was used to evaluate student progress in spelling with direct instruction versus traditional spelling programs. Teachers were asked to volunteer to take the Words Their Way Course, implement the Words Their Way Spelling Program in their classrooms, and allow their data to be used in the decision making process for the district curriculum office. Students began spelling more words correctly in their independent writing, and were therefore able to use what they knew about words to spell unknown words with similar spelling patterns.

Using Comprehensive Literacy Instructional Modules For Literacy Instruction With Students With Disabilities, Amanda M. Wasylik

Graduate Research Papers

This research study examined the use of comprehensive literacy instruction within a self-contained ID-mild Special Education classroom. Comprehensive literacy consists of daily instruction in word study, comprehension, and writing, with an additional period of time during each day for self-selected reading. Comprehensive literacy instruction was examined using self-study methodology on teaching practice through the analysis of lesson reflections, class schedules, and an autobiography of professional teaching experience.

Three case studies of student performance across a semester of instruction were analyzed using data on literacy tasks, literacy assessment, and classroom observations. Results support the promotion of effective comprehensive literacy instruction for …

Empowering Elementary Teachers To Explore Critical Literacy Through Drama-Based Instruction, Courtney J. Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

This research project comes in the form of a professional development project combining the theories of critical literacy for elementary students and drama as a form of arts integration in literacy instruction. The project consists of six workshop sessions intended for willing elementary school teachers looking to expand their thinking around literacy instruction. Participants experience introductions to drama as an instructional approach by learning three specific strategies, including tableau, character interviews, and writing-in-role. They also learn about the basic elements of critical literacy by engaging in self-exploration and reflection, along with participating in research-based learning exercises intended to extend individuals' …

The Effects Of Using Digital Storytelling For Fourth Graders' Literacy Learning, Benjamin J. Feight

Graduate Research Papers

The dual purposes of this action research project were to investigate how the inclusion of digital learning techniques helped impact students' perceptions towards literacy instruction, and any impact on parents' perceptions. The action research was conducted in a fourth grade classroom of twenty-one participants in a rural school, engaging students in the whole process of creating a digital story.

The major results indicate that: a) student motivation towards writing increases when introduced to the concept of using some sort of digital device to write the story; and b) parents were enthused about the level of work their students submitted when …

Increasing Vocabulary And Oral Language Skills Of Pre-K English Language Learners Through Shared Storybook Reading And Take-Home Literacy Bags, Angela Butler

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Shared Storybook Readings and Take Home Literacy Bags utilizing Dialogic Questioning Techniques on the oral language skills and vocabulary knowledge of preschool-aged English Language Learners.

Eleven preschool students identified as English Language Learners in a suburban school district took part in the six-week intervention. Each week students were exposed to three read-aloud experiences utilizing Dialogic Reading Techniques and Questioning and a Take Home Literacy Bag for further reading experiences with their families. Student growth was assessed weekly using three tools: Teaching Strategies GOLD observations, a Teacher-Created Vocabulary Assessment, and …

Enhancing Student Motivation And Success In Reading Through Learning Clubs, Sarah Pamela Jackman

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains lesson plans and instructions to be used with a learning club comprised of middle or high school students. While written to take place during the school day, it could be used as an outside-of-school activity as well. Strategies and concepts included in the plans are grounded in research that is referenced within this paper. Lesson plans as well as the necessary documents for completion of the lessons are also included.

Fall 2015, Uni Literacy Clinic Anthology, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Literacy Clinic Anthologies

The anthology contains the writings of children participating in the UNI Reading Clinic tutored by UNI students enrolled in the Advanced Literacy Practices course and the co-requisite Experience in Literacy: Tutoring course. As their literacy skills progress, each child contributes a written work to the anthology for their clinic.

Summer 2015, Uni Literacy Clinic Anthology, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Literacy Clinic Anthologies

The anthology contains the writings of children participating in the UNI Reading Clinic tutored by UNI students enrolled in the Advanced Literacy Practices course and the co-requisite Experience in Literacy: Tutoring course. As their literacy skills progress, each child contributes a written work to the anthology for their clinic.

Spring 2015, Uni Literacy Clinic Anthology, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Literacy Clinic Anthologies

The anthology contains the writings of children participating in the UNI Reading Clinic tutored by UNI students enrolled in the Advanced Literacy Practices course and the co-requisite Experience in Literacy: Tutoring course. As their literacy skills progress, each child contributes a written work to the anthology for their clinic.

Coaching Stances : Changing Practice Through Self-Reflection, Patricia D. Foster

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy coaches must understand the sometimes subtle nuances in the language used to guide teachers in order to build their instructional capacity and ultimately increase student achievement. This article examines the coaching stances of "coaching, teaching and telling" that move along a continuum of support provided through a coaching framework for a literacy coach and her elementary teachers. Analysis of coaching practice was accomplished through a process of self-study and reflection that examined language over a three month period of coaching cycles. Rodgers and Rodgers outline three characteristics of effective coaching conversations that provide the catalyst of action to move …

Teacher Librarians & Literacy Coaches: Their Roles In Reading Support, Nicole N. Ruthaivilavan

Graduate Research Papers

According to AASL (2010), multiple research studies have confirmed that there is a correlation between school library programs staffed by certified school librarians and increased student achievement; yet, many schools are also beginning to employ literacy coaches to improve reading achievement. With the teacher librarian being a well-established part of the school system, and playing a vital role in supporting students’ reading achievement, a clear definition of roles is needed. The purpose of this case study was to analyze roles and responsibilities of teacher librarians and literacy coaches and to determine how schools can utilize one or both of these …

Effective Professional Development For Elementary Teachers : Creating Dialogic Classrooms To Improve Reading Comprehension, Amanda J. Mroch

Graduate Research Papers

Understanding the importance of teacher language, literacy discussions, and teacher questioning on students' literacy development in the classroom is important in order to facilitate deeper understanding by students. This research project first describes what dialogic classrooms are and how teachers can create more dialogic spaces for students. The paper also focuses on research that looks at the importance of literacy discussions and teacher questioning in creating classrooms that are open to student ideas.

A professional development program is then developed that will help teachers learn the importance of teacher language and creating dialogic spaces for students to explore complex ideas. …

Fall 2014, Uni Literacy Clinic Anthology, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Literacy Clinic Anthologies

The anthology contains the writings of children participating in the UNI Reading Clinic tutored by UNI students enrolled in the Advanced Literacy Practices course and the co-requisite Experience in Literacy: Tutoring course. As their literacy skills progress, each child contributes a written work to the anthology for their clinic.

Summer 2014, Uni Literacy Clinic Anthology, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Literacy Clinic Anthologies

The anthology contains the writings of children participating in the UNI Reading Clinic tutored by UNI students enrolled in the Advanced Literacy Practices course and the co-requisite Experience in Literacy: Tutoring course. As their literacy skills progress, each child contributes a written work to the anthology for their clinic.

Spring 2014, Uni Literacy Clinic Anthology, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Literacy Clinic Anthologies

The anthology contains the writings of children participating in the UNI Reading Clinic tutored by UNI students enrolled in the Advanced Literacy Practices course and the co-requisite Experience in Literacy: Tutoring course. As their literacy skills progress, each child contributes a written work to the anthology for their clinic.

Digital Storytelling : The Impact On Student Engagement, Motivation And Academic Learning, Mindy Foelske

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the effects of storytelling on student engagement and motivation, literacy skills, and content knowledge across curriculum areas. In this review, over thirty purposefully selected peer-reviewed journal articles about the effects of digital storytelling on students' learning in the classroom were critically analyzed and evaluated. The research evidence showed that digital storytelling increases student motivation and engagement in student-centered projects. It had a positive effect on the improvement of literacy skills, other content knowledge and the 21st century skills both for the normal students and the students who normally struggle with writing …

A Review Of The Effects Of Computer-Based Reading Programs On Middle School Students, Ann Hansen

Graduate Research Papers

With increases in the availability of technology in the classroom many educators are looking to computer-based reading programs to help close the gap in student reading achievement. The purpose of this review is to examine research on computer-based reading programs meant to improve reading achievement in middle school students in grades 6-8. Over thirty peer-reviewed journal articles and professional papers within the last 10 years were critically analyzed. The research evidence showed inconsistency about the effects of Accelerated Reader on middle school students, the mixed results of computer-based reading programs on at-risk students, and the positive results of a balanced …

The Effects Of Interactive Videoconferencing On Elementary Literacy : Collaborative Learning Environment, Heather A. Klenke

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the effectiveness of videoconferencing on elementary students' literacy learning process. Over thirty peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last ten years are critically analyzed and evaluated. The findings suggest that videoconferencing can embrace elementary students' literacy learning by motivating them to learn, engaging them in diverse activities for collaboration, and enhancing their communication skills development and academic achievement, if appropriate and meaningful learning and teaching strategies are adopted. This review also identifies benefits of using videoconferencing for teacher professional development.

The Impact Of Blogging On K-12 Student Learning: Engagement, Self-Expression, And Higher-Order Thinking, Brian Mcgurk

Graduate Research Papers

Blogging has become an increasingly important instructional tool in education. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the impact of blogging on K-12 student learning with special emphasis on engagement, self-expression, and higher-order thinking. The review analyzed thirty scholarly articles that incorporated perspectives on best practices associated with blogging. Special attention was given to empirical research with sound research design, and the scope was limited to sources published between 2004 and 2014. The results of the review find that blogging can increase student engagement by cultivating a student-centered online environment that motivates students to write for an audience. …

An Investigation Of Adolescent Boys' Dispositions Toward Leisure Reading, Julie Barnett

Graduate Research Papers

When children are very young, they seem to enjoy books. However, as they grow older, those positive feelings about books and reading begin to change for some students. Some studies agree that it is in middle school or adolescence that this change often occurs, and it most often occurs in boys. This study had two purposes: to investigate the factors that may influence adolescent boys' attitudes toward books and reading and their changes from elementary to middle school and to identify activities or events that evoke a positive response toward reading among adolescent boys.

This qualitative descriptive study gathered data …

Literature Circles And Technology : A Study Of Students' Attitudes, Laura Ann Edwards

Graduate Research Papers

Technology and collaboration are important to students in the reading classroom. This paper investigates students' reading attitudes after participating in a literature circle with technology. This study compared students' reading attitudes prior to participating in the literature circle with technology unit and after participating in the unit using a survey and interview of selected students. The selected students were to represent four categories: introverted, unmotivated, high achieving, and low achieving. The results suggest that students have positive reading experiences when using technology. Additionally, the results suggest that students' reading attitudes are more positive when they are able to collaborate with …

The Effects Of Peer-Conferencing On Writing Revisions In A Second Grade Classroom, Emily C. Guetzlaff

Graduate Research Papers

Writing has long been known as one of the three "R's" in education. However, many educators lack instructional knowledge on how to teach writing. Revision and conferencing are part of the writing teacher's vocabulary, but little research exists on these topics. This study utilized qualitative and quantitative data to compare the effects of students trained in peer-conferencing and students not trained in peer-conferencing and the effect on their writing. The introduction presents the problem that led to the development of this study. A literature review provides existing research related to writing workshop, instruction in writing, revision, and collaboration through conferring. …

Books, Blogging, And Boredom : The Impact Of One-To-One Computing On Student Engagement And Literacy, Amanda M. Hudson

Graduate Research Papers

As one-to-one computing infiltrates education across the United States, stakeholders question the impact this technology will have on all involved. Teachers are realizing the effect that one-to-one computing has on the school, classroom, and curriculum as districts jump on the bandwagon and purchase laptops for every student. Research shows that classrooms, including language arts classrooms, incur many positive changes. One such change is the inclusion of new literacies into the curriculum. These new literacies will change how students read and write. Course management systems have also become common in many classrooms; and teachers, students, and parents are learning to negotiate …

How Educators And Parents Can Collaborate To Improve Student Reading Fluency, Jackie M. Mcdermott

Graduate Research Papers

In this project, fluency practices are defined and explored in relation to an elementary school setting that is partnering with parents on how to promote fluency practices in the home. The Literature Review describes the importance of fluency instruction, how fluency instruction supports literacy instruction, and finally how educators and parents can begin partnering to provide literacy practices in the home. Following the literature review, there is a professional development plan that lays out the key components of collaborating with parents to implement fluency practices in the home.

A Professional Development Program For Balanced Literacy, Sheila Charlene Mccullough

Graduate Research Papers

A balanced literacy framework is a complex yet comprehensive avenue for literacy instruction that has been successfully implemented by the author in a low socioeconomic kindergarten classroom with remarkable achievement gains. This research project first describes the successful implementation and relates it to the professional literature on balanced literacy. A professional development program is then developed that will help teachers discover the importance of implementing balanced literacy practices and gain knowledge and understanding on how to implement the components of a comprehensive balanced literacy framework into their practice.

A Need For Motivation : Increasing Engagement To Bolster Success, Libbie M. Willert

Graduate Research Papers

Educators want to create a sustained, life-long reader in their students. This overview of the literature will share with educators valuable insight into how increasing motivation and student engagement will help create more involved readers. Key themes in the literature include: increasing literacy motivation, increasing literacy engagement, and applying thoughtful literacy practices. This review will also highlight several helpful strategies on how educators in today's classrooms can help increase student motivation and engagement related to literacy.

The Uniqueness Of The English Language Learner : Research Based Strategies For English Language Learners, Carolyn Lindgren Dietz

Graduate Research Papers

Currently, the United States is experiencing a growth in the number of English Language Learners. At the same time, the US economy has shifted to a more knowledge based focus, making higher education a requirement (in order to be) able to compete for higher paying jobs. Using a "scientifically validated approach" (Short, Vogt, & Echevarria, 2008), the SIOP model is a framework for instructing English Language Learners. This research targets research based professional development for teachers, to provide the essential programming to meet the literacy learning needs of the English Language Learner.