Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

What Representation Looks Like: A Content Analysis Of African American Characters In Louisiana’S Young Readers’ Choice And Teen Readers’ Choice Graphic Novels, Samantha J. Green

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this content analysis is to show how African Americans are represented in the novels selected for the Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice and Louisiana Teen Readers’ Choice programs. Twenty-one graphic novels and one graphic story were used in this study. The primary source of data collection was analyzing the texts using the African American text features list. Findings indicated that when included, the representation of African Americans in the graphic novels was accurate and authentic. However, there was not a large number of graphic novels that have been selected for the lists. It is suggested that future research …

Literacy Intervention At The Middle Level: A Mixed-Methods Examination Of The Implementation Of Thinking Maps, Ashley Chantal Choice

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the implementation of Thinking Maps® as a literacy instructional intervention for students in grades four and five. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study investigated the effect of Thinking Maps® on student achievement, changes in students’ literacy-related work products, and teachers’ perceptions of the strategy. The study was conducted at a rural Title I elementary school in the southeastern United States and included nine teachers and 150 students across English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies during an eight-week intervention period. Quantitative data included unit pretest and posttest scores from standards-aligned assessments and teacher perception …

The Impact Of Teachers’ Roles As Boundary Crossers And Boundary Objects In Post- Covid Composition Instruction, Tammie Marie Pierce

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study examined secondary English Language Arts (ELA) teachers’ perceptions of rapid technology integration and its influence on composition instruction and cognitive load in physical, digital, and hybrid spaces. Grounded in theories of boundary crossing and the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, the study conceptualized teachers as both boundary crossers, navigating instructional spaces, and boundary objects, serving as the support tools for their students’ transitions into digital composition. Data were collected from five ELA teachers in a rural school district through surveys, individual interviews, and questionnaires, and analyzed using a two-phase coding process. Findings indicate that teachers perceived …

From Deference To Dialogue: How International Gtas From High Power Distance Cultures Adapt To U.S. Classroom Dynamics, Deborah Akua Afi Appiah

Theses and Dissertations

International graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) from high power distance cultures play a significant role in undergraduate education at U.S. universities, yet they face challenges that go well beyond language proficiency. Coming from educational backgrounds where teacher authority is unquestioned and hierarchical, these GTAs must navigate American classrooms that operate on fundamentally different assumptions, where authority is earned rather than assumed, informality is the norm, and students expect to question, negotiate, and be personally known by their instructors. The present study examined how eighteen (18) international GTAs from seven (7) high power distance countries perceived and adapted to these differences while …

Vocabulary Assessment And Washback: English Teachers' Practices In Preparing Students For The Wassce In Ghana, Ishmael Nii Amon Neequaye

Theses and Dissertations

Persistent concerns in WAEC Chief Examiners’ Reports consistently attribute declining student performance on the WASSCE English Language examination to limited vocabulary knowledge. Despite these recurring observations, little research has explored how teachers respond to the vocabulary demands embedded within this high-stakes examination. This qualitative study investigates (1) how Senior High School English teachers prepare students for the vocabulary demands of the WASSCE English paper and (2) how the assessment pressures influence instructional practices and classroom decision-making.  Drawing on communicative competence, multiliteracies, and washback, the study employed a descriptive case study design and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus group …

To What Extent Do Arkansas K-3 Elementary Classroom Teachers Understand The International Dyslexia Association's Definition Of Dyslexia?, Anetha Jane Hill

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative interview study explored the understanding of dyslexia among K–3 elementary classroom teachers in Arkansas, using the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) definition as adopted by the Arkansas Department of Education, specifically the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. An interview protocol was used to gather information about teachers’ understanding of the full IDA definition of dyslexia. Since this definition has been formally adopted by the state of Arkansas, it has significantly influenced district policies, classroom instruction, and support services. It is essential that educators have a working knowledge of this definition to adequately support students’ reading success and provide …

From Homeland To Hostland: Language Ownership Of Heritage Dialect And Narratives Of Third Culture Kids Of The Gulf, Maryam Aref

Theses and Dissertations

The main purpose of this study is to examine Arab Adult Third Culture Kids’ sense of heritage language ownership and their identity constructions in relation to their transnational Arab Gulf context. The present study has three main aims: to ascertain their sense of ownership towards their heritage dialects, to understand the basis for their claimed or denied ownership, and to investigate the positions they ascribed to themselves and others in relation to their belonging and transnational and linguistic experiences. The study aims to fill the gap where there is a scarcity of sociolinguistic research around Arab Third Culture Kids in …

Management Concepts In Shishupalavadha, Sathyanarayanan V

Theses and Dissertations

Management of organizations, people, and entities has been a subject matter of great interest today. Schools of business and management were established in the West about 125 years ago, and countries in other parts of the world, including India, simply followed these practices. Consequently, there is a widespread feeling today that management concepts originated in the West. All Indian business schools teach management concepts propounded by Western scholars in the last 100 years or so.

Going by the first principles, whenever multiple people, resources, entities, and institutions are involved, there is a requirement for Management. This implies that management as …

Professional Learning Communities And Digital Literacy: A Framework For Elementary Education, Lauren Hunt

Theses and Dissertations

As digital technologies redefine the definition of literacy, elementary teachers face the challenge of effectively integrating digital literacies into their classroom spaces. This dissertation examines how professional development can enhance teachers’ understanding and implementation of high-quality digital literacy practices. Grounded in the New Literacies framework, the study identifies key characteristics of effective digital literacy instruction and explores how professional development that is contextualized, meaningful, and sustained can foster these practices. Using data from classroom observations, professional learning communities, and teacher interviews, the research highlights how individualized coaching and collaboration empower teachers to create authentic, engaging, and critical digital literacy experiences. …

Exploring Pragmatic Functions And Linguistic Features Analysis For Some Terms Of Endearment In Egyptian Colloquial Arabic As Discourse Markers, Samar Abdeltawab

Theses and Dissertations

In Arabic and many languages, terms of endearment are used as discourse markers to express affection. However, their meanings differ depending on the pragmatic context in which they are said.

Despite the abundance of research on terms of endearment in various languages, there is a noticeable lack of studies examining the pragmatic functions and linguistic features of these terms in Arabic. This research aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive exploration of the pragmatic functions and investigating the syntactic and morphological characteristics of selected terms of endearment in Egyptian colloquial Arabic. It offers a detailed analysis of their …

The Relationship Of Preschool Variables To Kindergarten Early Literacy Skills, Michele Davis Thomason

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the impact of Pre-K experiences on kindergarten early literacy skills in Alabama. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was utilized to analyze assessment data from My Teaching Strategies AlaKiDS and Renaissance STAR Early Literacy for kindergarten students in a rural Alabama district. The students were divided into three groups for comparison: students who attended Alabama First Class Pre-K, those in private programs using the Abeka curriculum, and students with no formal Pre-K experience. The dissertation utilized Vygotsky’s constructivist theory to assess the influence of early educational environments on the cognitive development through scaffolding and the Zone of …

Understanding The Influence Of A University-Based Reading And Literacy Center Literacy Tutoring Program On Students’ Literacy Behaviors, Beliefs, And Skills: Stakeholder Perspectives, Wanda D. Turk

Theses and Dissertations

A convergent mixed-methods study designed with a networked systems theory framework investigated the influence of a university-based reading and literacy center literacy tutoring program on students’ literacy behaviors, beliefs, and skills. The study examined stakeholder perspectives of changes in students following their participation in the literacy tutoring program. A convergent mixed-methods design collected and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data separately before merging for interpretation. Quantitative data came from students’ pre-assessment scores and post-assessment scores. The results indicated that students’ scores increased, decreased, or remained the same from pre-assessment to post-assessment. Qualitative data came from tutor interviews and parent surveys. The …

Amplifying Student Voices: A Case Study On The Writing Workshop In A 10th Grade English Classroom, Erin S. Drulis

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study explores how a white, second-year 10th-grade English teacher implemented a culturally affirming version of The Writing Workshop in a private high school serving primarily Black and Latine students from working class families. Through a yearlong collaborative coaching partnership between the researcher and teacher, this study examined how writing instruction might elevate student voice in writing instruction. Grounded in a pragmatic interpretivist epistemology and supported by five intersecting theoretical lenses—democratic education (Dewey), sociocultural constructivism (Vygotsky), culturally affirming pedagogy (Ladson-Billings), critical pedagogy (Freire), and radical love (hooks)—this case study investigated how students used writing as a means of …

Looking Beyond The Achievement Gap: An Inquiry Into Bridging The Divide Between Teacher Preparedness And English Learners’ Literacy Success, Sean Rhoads

Theses and Dissertations

English Learners (ELs) in early childhood and elementary settings continue to face a significant literacy achievement gap compared to their non-EL peers. A qualitative action research study was conducted in a suburban Midwest district to examine how teacher preparedness, instructional practices, and professional development influence EL literacy development. Through teacher interviews, surveys, and classroom observations, the study identified key challenges, including limited EL-specific training, minimal collaboration with EL specialists, and inadequate instructional resources. Aimsweb Plus data confirmed a widening literacy gap, reinforcing the need for culturally responsive teaching, improved collaboration, and targeted interventions. The findings emphasize the importance of sustained …

The Impact Of Bilingual Teacher License, And Years Of Experience On Bilingual Student Reading Achievement Across Multiple-Grade Levels, Cuauhtemoc D. Reyes

Theses and Dissertations

The body of literature had an ongoing debate of which certification or license type had a greater impact on student achievement. Nevertheless, there were insufficient studies that focused on the impact of certification type and years of experience in the Bilingual camp. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to explore the findings of the various impact Bilingual teacher license, years of experience, and both Bilingual license and years of experience had on Bilingual student reading achievement. Hence, the dissertation used a quantitative causal-comparative design and explored the research questions. The findings varied from grade levels, school years, and languages. …

The Effects Of Singing In Music Therapy Sessions On Vocabulary Acquisition With Children With Asd, Yeim Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with language acquisition and maintaining engagement during learning activities. While music therapy has shown promise in supporting communication and behavior in children with ASD, few studies have focused on its effect on vocabulary acquisition, particularly in comparing different types of music interventions like singing and non-singing approaches.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore how singing, as a method used in music therapy, affects vocabulary acquisition in a child with ASD. Three research questions guided this study: (1) How do singing and non-singing programs influence receptive vocabulary acquisition in a child with …

Utilizing Cultural Responsive Literacy Practices In Order To Increase Reading Engagement In Primary Aged Readers, Molly E. Young

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this conceptual research was to explore how culturally responsive literacy practices and various theoretical frameworks can be integrated to enhance reading engagement among primary-aged readers. This study examines the connections among several relevant theoretical frameworks and identifies common themes related to reading engagement. The theories that guided this research include Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (CSP), Funds of Knowledge (FoK), Self-Efficacy, and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The conceptual framework highlights common themes across these frameworks, such as the importance of professional development and pre-service teacher programs, the significance of recognizing student strengths and backgrounds, and the …

"If Someone Had Stopped The First World Racist, There Would Be No Racism Today": Empowering African American Muslim Elementary Students Through A Critical Literacy(Critlit) Project, Faten Baroudi

Theses and Dissertations

The Critical Literacy (CritLit) project promotes using critical texts to engage readers in examining their lived experiences and understanding of social justice issues. This study used a qualitative participatory approach with a narrative design to research the students’ engagement in a book club using critical texts. Participants were fourth- and fifth-grade African American students who participated in a 4-week project at a weekend Islamic school in Philadelphia. I organized my study into four sessions. Three book club sessions were audio-recorded and observed. Field notes were taken; pre and post-interviews were conducted; student/teacher reflections were collected with students’ notes and handouts; …

Beyond Narrow Views On First-Grade Reading Instruction In Saudi Arabia: Insights From First-Grade Saudi Reading Teachers, Ali Alzughaibi

Theses and Dissertations

Recent development in reading research and instruction has highlighted the need to unpack certain claims about how children learn to read and how reading is taught. These claims where challenged by different scholars in the field, pointing to the complexity of reading. Much of this research, however, was done where English is taught as a first language (e.g., United States, UK). Lacking supporting evidence, a review of the literature on early Arabic reading instruction in Saudi Arabia has highlighted different claims about how Arabic early reading is taught and what teachers know about early reading. For example, teaching Arabic early …

Incorporating Culturally Relevant Practices To Improve Self-Efficacy And Engagement For Students With Disability Labels, Jennifer Chestnut Zingaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of middle school students with disability labels in the pull-out resource ELA setting when their teacher included culturally relevant practices. This study utilized qualitative teacher research inquiry methods, and data collection methods included student surveys, teacher journaling of class discussions and observations, and examination of student work samples. This study came about through the lack of culturally relevant pedagogy in the segregated, special education middle school ELA program. Students with disability labels who test below grade level on standardized assessments are placed in a small group, homogeneous classroom with …

Incorporating Diverse Multimodal Texts Within A Seventh Grade Language Arts Classroom To Increase Comprehension Accessibility And Improve Engagement, Kaitlin Maher

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines if diverse, multimodal texts have an effect upon student engagement while increasing comprehension for students with varied learning styles. Applicable theories that gave direction to this research study were Multiliteracies Pedagogy, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Funds of Knowledge, and Constructivism. Throughout the unit’s duration, students were instructed with various types of multimodal texts that included song, video, graphic novels, and performance while also working with modern authentic, diverse traditional texts. Students were also given a choice of mode in how to respond and demonstrate understanding. The qualitative research study analyzed data sources such as student surveys; my teacher …

Enhancing The Efficacy Of Task-Based Grammar Teaching: A Study Through Error Analysis Of Esl Learners At The Tertiary Level, Dhivya P

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of modern methods of teaching grammar and to test the student's learning through activities and games. The objective is to identify the students' grammatical errors regarding prepositions, articles, concord, tenses, and redundancy by practical methods and task-based activities. The study employed Corder’s Error Analysis method to understand the students' language learning process, indicate errors, and identify opportunities to develop learners' language awareness.

A pilot study was conducted involving both pre test and posttest for the students. The primary research involved pre test, posttest and retention tests for the students to evaluate the error …

Utilizing Funds Of Knowledge In An Early Childhood Classroom To Enhance And Create Read-Aloud Experiences, Grace Katharine O'Malley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the read-aloud experiences in an early childhood classroom that embed students Funds of Knowledge (FoK). The specific aim is the explore what happens when I utilize my students' funds of knowledge when planning and implementing read-aloud experiences. what happens when I utilize my students' funds of knowledge when planning and implementing read-aloud experiences. The students demonstrated making connections to peers in response to text, engaging with text that highlights funds of knowledge and conversing about others culture through play. The implications for utilizing Funds of Knowledge in an early childhood classroom is …

Perceptions Of Primary Grade Teachers About Reading Curriculum And Early Literacy Intervention, Melody Carr

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the perceptions of reading curriculum and early literacy intervention of primary grade teachers. The purpose of this study was to answer the following research questions: How do primary grade teachers view early literacy intervention? How do teachers perceive the basal reading program, Reading Wonders? While there are studies that focus on teacher perceptions, research is limited in the area of teachers’ perceptions of reading curriculum and early literacy intervention. Data was collected using a qualitative approach using a survey, interviews, and a focus group discussion. Findings reveal that teachers feel that they need to be prepared when …

Reading Interventionists Using Individualized Learning Plans And Instruction: A District Leader’S Response To Address Unfinished Teaching Opportunities In Reading, Nicole Almanzar

Theses and Dissertations

This action-research study explores a district leader’s experience implementing district-wide individualized learning plans (ILPs) and individualized instruction to enhance student outcomes in reading. The study utilizes collective leadership practices by collaborating with reading interventionists throughout. In addition, this study provides an alternative to the technology-based personalized learning and high-dosage tutoring models.

Literacy Instruction In Nature And The Development Of Kindergarten Literacy Skills, Lauren Angelozzi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines what happens when literacy instruction is implemented while students are outside in nature. Relevant theories that guided this research included the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), and Culturally Relevant teaching (CRT). Throughout the four week study students participated in literacy lessons outdoors that focused on journal writing outdoors, outdoor teacher read alouds, and writing outdoors using tools found in nature. The final week of the study focused on how students incorporate these literacy skills into their own outdoor free play. This qualitative research focused on data collection from various sources such as: student artifacts, …

Military Veteran Students’ Perceptions Of Support In College Writing Classrooms: A Qualitative Case Study, Jacqueline M. Beamen

Theses and Dissertations

Current literature indicates a disconnect between military veteran students’ experiences in college and what colleges claim they are doing to support these students. How support is manifested in writing classes at a medium-sized community college, as perceived by veteran students themselves, was unknown. This qualitative case study aimed to establish a deeper understanding of the unique needs of these students and how and whether they experienced support in their community college writing classrooms. The findings of this study showed that the participants’ military experiences impacted their perceptions of the college and of their writing classes. While they valued structure, rigor, …

Perceived And Preferred Methods To Adult Language Learning, Suzie Tse

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study is to understand the adult language learners in formal learning setting and know what do they perceive as the main methods of teaching and what do they prefer instead. If there is a gap between preferred methods of learning and perceived methods of learning, then there is a need that needs to be addressed. This is important because many students find language learning at best ineffective and at worst impossible. I hypothesize that there will be a difference between adult student perception and preference because student focuses more on speaking and listening skill over …

Utilizing Students’ Technological Knowledge To Develop Critical Reading Skills And Digital Literacy Identities, Rosemarie Mcgraw

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to explore how teachers can purposefully integrate and connect students’ digital literacy funds of knowledge into in-school digital literacy meaning making to enhance critical reading and thinking, and how it supports students’ development of their digital literacy identity. The theories that guided this thesis were from New London Group, Freire, Gee, Knobel, and Lankshear. This was a qualitative research study that collected data from surveys, interviews, observations, and student work samples. Over the course of the study, students participated in a controlled choice research unit. Throughout the study, students received specific instruction on how to use multiliteracies …

Do Gaps Exist Between Preschool And Kindergarten Teachers Regarding Phonological Awareness Knowledge, Carrie Sharp

Theses and Dissertations

The quantitative methods study examined and compared the knowledge of phonological awareness between preschool and kindergarten teachers. A multiple-choice knowledge survey was utilized to determine levels of understanding between the two groups of teachers. The knowledge survey consisted of questions pertaining to definitions of phonological awareness terms and phonological and phonemic awareness tasks. Personal information about literacy trainings the participants had attended and instructional time spent on phonological awareness activities were also included in the knowledge survey. The purpose of the study was to determine if gaps existed between the preschool and kindergarten teachers.