Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

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 …

The Effectiveness Of An Accent Reduction Program On Foreign Speaker’S Oral English Proficiency And Understandability, Kara Elizabeth Sewell

Dissertations and Theses

Accent reduction is a program to assist foreign speakers in developing a level of oral English proficiency that is more similar to native English speakers. This study examined whether an accent reduction program, focusing on intonation and articulation, would improve the oral English proficiency and understandability of 2 Vietnamese speakers.

The research questions this study sought to answer were: (a) Does a foreign speaker's oral English proficiency as measured by the Proficiency of Oral English Communication (POEC) subtest scores improve immediately after completion of an accent reduction program?, (b) Does a foreign speaker's POEC subtest scores 4 weeks after termination …

The Effect Of Instruction On Efl Argumentative Writing, Hala Abdel-Moneim Abdallah

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Efl Reading Comperhension Strategies Of Egyptian And Non-Egyptian Arab Students, Gehan Osman

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

At Risk In The Writing Classroom: Negotiating A Lesbian Teacher Identity, Irene G. Meaker

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

"Education is a fearful enterprise," says teacher and philosopher, Parker Palmer. Student-centered/ processoriented pedagogy asks teachers to step out from behind the relative safety of the teacher mask and to enter the risky arena of learning. For the writing teacher, a special challenge is to help students negotiate the risks inherent in the act of writing and in sharing writing with the "Other."

To prevent fears from dominating our students, teachers must model risk-taking and risk negotiation. In my own teaching, my fears around students' reactions to learning my sexual identity meant that I more often reinforced fears than dispelled …

Sibling Rivalry, Elana Peninah Pamm

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This Independent Study was inspired by the creation of the children's book Sometimes, I Hate My Brother. The book was written to help children understand that when their brothers or sisters hurt them it isn't their fault, and also to become more aware of the harm caused by them if they hurt their siblings. Family interactions can bring up feelings in children that may overwhelm and confuse them. The book was written with the goal of helping children understand the repercussions of their actions and deal with their feelings when sibling problems exist.

Comparative Effects Of Three Methods Of Staff Development In Content Area Reading Instruction On Urban High School Teachers, Mark Alan Forget

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

In researching the role of group interaction and constructivism in three different types of staff development in content area reading instruction with urban high school teachers, a self-report survey instrument was used to ascertain differences between four groups of respondents with regard to respondents' reported levels on four dependent variables. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the degree of statistical significance between mean scores that resulted. Results showed statistically significant differences with probabilities less than .05 for group differences based on the independent variables type of staff development received by respondents, reported support of school administrators for …

An Integrated Emergent Literacy Curriculum For Primary Students, Katrina M. Clark

All Graduate Projects

A completely integrated reading curriculum has been developed for the primary classroom. The curriculum may be used in whole to cover all academic subjects or as a supplement to an already existing program. The main theme, interdependence, is sub divided into: home/family and farms. Any specific directions or copies of activities are included as well as a teacher reference list and a children's literature list. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements as interpreted for kindergarten are covered by use of this curriculum.

Children's Book Festival, Karen Rowell, Onva K. Boshears Jr., University Of Southern Mississippi

Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival Programs

The program for the thirty-second annual Children's Book Festival held on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1999.

Collaborative Strategies For Teachers And Parents In Achieving Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements In Reading And Language, Theresa Laffey

All Graduate Projects

A teacher handbook containing suggestions and activities teachers can recommend to parents to assist their children in achieving the State Essential Learning Requirements for Kindergarten was developed. Activities and suggestions were based on 25 Expectations set by the State within the Essential Learning Requirements at the Kindergarten level. Each suggestion or activity was supported by research and directly linked to a specific Expectation. The suggestions and activities were selected based upon parent/ child interest, materials required to implement and ease for parents to follow instructions.

An Analysis Of Teaching Reading By Ability Grouping At Columbia Elementary School Wenatchee, Washington 1995–1998, Roy K. Draggoo

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to undertake an analysis of teaching reading by ability grouping at Columbia Elementary School, Wenatchee, Washington, 1995 - 1998. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related research and literature was conducted and data obtained from a survey of participating faculty was analyzed. The effectiveness of the Schoolwide Planning Committee that implemented the schoolwide project was also reviewed.

Touch Phonics To Improve Reading Fluency Among Fourth Grade Students, Christina M. Alaniz

All Graduate Projects

Touchphonics, a phonemic awareness reading program, has been implemented among fourth grade students in order to test its effectiveness in improving reading fluency. Data were presented to support teaching phonemic awareness as part of reading programs. Several examples have been given of how students with phonemic awareness skills have been successful in learning how to read. Within this project are lesson plans on how to implement Touchphonics in the classroom which have been developed. Finally, a portfolio system to assess students' reading and writing is explained.

Juegos De Educatión: Collection Of Student-Centered Spanish Language Activities In A Web Based Format, Geoff W. Bullis, Jenny R. Smith

All Graduate Projects

This project incorporates the use of games and activities as supplemental resources with today's technology enhanced environment. It was designed to create an easily accessible resource for teachers of Spanish language instruction. Our project focused on creating a Web site on the Internet which included several student-centered activities. The development of the project included research of similar Web sites, literature regarding best teaching practices and methods, Gardner's multiple intelligences, specifically bodily/kinesthetic intelligence, and a teacher questionnaire focusing on the need for the project. Through the research and questionnaire it was determined that a dearth of Web-based resources are available to …

Promoting Phonological Awareness In Young Children Through At-Home Activities: A Video Curriculum, Kathleen A. Kwak

All Graduate Projects

Research relating phonological awareness, beginning reading acquisition, and parental involvement in children's literacy development was read, evaluated, and summarized. A positive relationship between phonological awareness and learning to read was indicated from this review, and a correlation between parental literacy activities and children's language and reading acquisition was found. Studies suggesting the existence of a developmental sequence of phonological skills were examined. The literature review provided a rationale and design for phonological awareness instruction. A research supported curriculum containing a teacher's manual, take-home interactive video activities and activity sheets, and assessments was created.

Teacher Tricks A.K.A. Parent Tools: Workshops To Promote Healthy Family Literacy, Timothy A. Martin

All Graduate Projects

Four workshops, supported by research on parent involvement, were developed to help promote family literacy. Each workshop incorporates both parents and students as they are encouraged to read preassigned books together. In addition, each family was given tasks to complete as they read their books. Workshops incorporating helpful tips and suggestions were provided to the families so they could better assist their children with their reading needs.

A Literature-Based Extension Of A Basal Reading Unit, Julie J. Holdsworth-Nagal

Graduate Research Papers

A unit on friendship in the basal reader was extended to include many literature experiences and teacher-directed and student-initiated activities for children in second grade. Quality pieces of literature from different genres served as the unit's basis. Many different expressive activities that extended the literature experiences were offered through learning centers, both sustaining and specific to the unit. Children worked in the centers individually, in pairs, and in small groups. Whole group sharing time at the end of daily center sessions was provided.

The print-rich environment with many opportunities for engaging in the language processes led to quality comprehension-composition connections. …

Integrating Literature-Based Language Arts And Mathematics, Lora L. Irvine

Graduate Research Papers

The National Counsel of Teachers in Mathematics in 1989 developed a list of 13 mathematical standards that would lead to a more effective way to teach mathematics. Before they began their list of standards, they made a list of goals. These goals stressed the importance of making learning relevant to the learner.

The goals that the NCTM developed are similar to the theoretical formulations that support instruction in the language arts. Many leading authorities in language arts advocate an instructional program that extends literature-based language arts across the curriculum. The content areas provide content and experiences with the functions of …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To The Science Area : Backyard Unit, Grade 2, Suzanne Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper explores the process of integrating second grade language arts into a science unit through a literature base representative of the different genres. This experience will provide students with the opportunities to connect the content of a backyard theme with quality literature and related expressive activities. From the supporting professional references cited, it becomes clear that students' positive interactions with literature develop self-motivated learners.

Parental And Community Involvement In Reading Education, Rhonda S. Johnstone

Graduate Research Papers

Research shows the effects of parental involvement in reading education to be beneficial to students, parents, teachers, and schools. Parental involvement can aid students in keeping up with (and possibly catching up with) grade level reading, learn to appreciate books, and about the various ways of communication in real life situations. Parent involvement helps parents gain the understanding of their children's strengths and weaknesses in literacy acquisition and the opportunity to assist in their development. Teachers may gain an insight into students, and their literate activities outside of school, which might help with curriculum development. At the same time, schools …

Developing Literacy Through Symbolic Play, Lisa Kaiser

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of symbolic play on children's emerging literacy. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with facilitating literacy through symbolic play were discussed. Guidelines for teachers on the successful use of symbolic play as a tool for literacy development were presented. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations made for the future facilitation of literacy-based play.

Literature Circles, Diane Maclennan

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of the literature concerning the use of literature circles in elementary classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to present all aspects of literature circles, both the pros and cons, within the context of elementary classrooms. The content of the paper deals with the historical aspect of reading instruction, variations of literature circles, advantages of literature circles, and suggested guidelines for successful literature circles. This paper concludes that literature circles are a unique format for successful book discussions in which· students and teachers work collaboratively to enable optimal educational success.

A Thematic Unit For A Reading Program In Grade Two Oral History, Tracy M. Daugherty

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits of a literature-based reading program. Included in this paper is an example of a literature-based unit presented to a second grade class. This instructional development unit included several components for student learning.

A Model Reading And Writing Curriculum For Low-Achieving Eleventh And Twelfth Grade Students, Jeri Goebel

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop a model reading and writing curriculum for low-achieving eleventh and twelfth grade students that would be named, English 11. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature and research was conducted. Additionally, related information and materials from selected secondary level English programs were obtained and analyzed.

A Guide To Early Reading With Parent Involvement, Sandra Elaine Kerr

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to increase literacy skills of children birth to age eight, through parent involvement. Research on the factors that contribute to early literacy and ways that parents can be involved in the literacy development of their child was studied. A parent handbook was created, which suggests that the development of literacy is a gradual process, which occurs long before the child enters school. The handbook included resources, information and activities to further increase parent involvement in the literacy learning of their child.

Children And Writing: A Handbook Of Effective Writing Practices For A First Grade Classroom, Julie M. Lang

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been developed to aid in the design of a first grade writing program and/or to be used as a supplement to any existing first grade writing curriculum. The handbook consists of four main content areas of discussion regarding current strategies used in a first grade writing curriculum: Writer's Workshop, journals, partner writing, and parent involvement. Each section consists of a brief definition of the term and five distinctive lesson plans implementing the aforementioned category. Current literature and research regarding the topic of children's development in writing were explored.

A Parent Education Program For Spanish Speaking Parents Of Children In Kindergarten, First, And Second Grade Students, Shannon Mccarty

All Graduate Projects

This project is a program for Spanish speaking parents of children in kindergarten, first, and second grades. This program was designed to help parents better support their children's literacy development. An additional goal of this project is to build stronger relationships between Spanish speaking families and schools. Chapter four of this project contains the manual for this program. It includes the planning, promotion and presentation of the program, as well as extensive appendices. This manual is intended to be used as a framework for teachers interested in developing a parent education program for Spanish speaking parents K-2 in their schools. …

Instructional Strategies Designed To Motivate Reluctant Primary Readers, Kimberly Dawn Perkins

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and collect instructional strategies to help reluctant primary readers understand that reading can be a pleasurable experience. There are many students who are unmotivated to read. Research has shown that students should engage in meaningful literacy activities and see that there is a purpose to read. The activities collected for this project can be used to supplement the reading program used in the regular classroom. Many of these activities can be adapted to different content areas and learning styles. The Essential Academic Learning Requirements were used as a guideline for gathering the …

Integration Of Children's Literature And Mathematics With Literature-Based Supplemental Activities In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Mcdow

All Graduate Projects

The Essential Academic Learning Requirements developed by the various subject committees selected by the Washington State Commission on Student Learning and the recommendations made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics are addressed. The benefits of integrating children's literature and mathematics are studied. Integrated activities and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that could supplement a traditional mathematics curriculum for primary age students are developed.

College Students In Developmental Reading Classes: Influences Of Learning Styles And Previous Instructional Methods In Grades K-6, Lynda E. Cucco

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to read is the very foundation of education at any level. This is particularly true at the postsecondary level. When institutions of higher education have open door policies it is incumbent upon them to provide assistance to any student requiring or requesting it. This assistance may take many forms. A formal course in developmental reading was the focus of this study. The purpose of the study was to determine if there was a relationship between individual learning styles, teaching styles, and teaching methods where the students enrolled in the developmental reading class had experienced success in grades K-6. …

Table Of Contents, Journal Staff

Journal of Pedagogy, Pluralism, and Practice

No abstract provided.