Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

Indigenous Languages Programmes In Australian Schools - A Way Forward, Nola Purdie, Tracey Frigo, Clare Ozolins, Geoff Noblett, Nick Thieberger, Janet Sharp

Indigenous Education Research

In 2008, over 16,000 Indigenous students and 13,000 non-Indigenous students located in 260 Australian schools were involved in an Indigenous language program. More than 80 different Indigenous languages were taught. This project sought to present practice which would strengthen the quality of Indigenous language programs in schools. The report consists of a literature review, a mapping exercise to document current practices relating to Indigenous languages in Australian schools, an analysis of existing models of teacher preparation, and six case studies of good practice examples.

Flarr Pages #62: Using Songs To Teach Grammar And Generate Discussion In The Classroom, Cecilia Mafla-Bustamante

FLARR Pages

Throughout my nearly three decades of teaching language (Spanish and English), I have experienced that students absolutely love the use of songs in the classroom to learn vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, as well as engage in great discussions. Songs provide good models of pronunciation, authentic language, topics of interest, and impetus for discussion of controversial issues in the classroom. Songs present topics students can identify with, so they enjoy participating in the pre-song activities, listening, singing, and post-song discussion. . Because of the repetition of verses and the use of rhyme, the meaning and sounds are retained longer, helping students to …

Identifying Preschool Students In Need Of Early Intervention, Cassie Delso Wells

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate a screening instrument targeting identification of preschool students in need of early intervention in order to determine the screening instrument's predictive validity. This study specifically examined the relationship between student scores on the DIALS and student achievement in reading at the end of first grade. All participants in the study were residing on Alaska's North Slope and the majority were Alaska Natives. The remote geographic location of the North Slope along with the ancient traditions of the Inupiat Eskimos, including the Inupiaq language that is still spoken among the residents of the …

An Exploratory Analysis Of The Use Of Multi-Word Units In National Secondary School Efl Textbooks In Egypt, Ahmed Abd-Allah Sallam

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Trained Peer Review And Its Effect On Fluency And Argumentation In University Argumentative Writing, Lilian Wagih Farag Allah

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Profiles And Perspectives: Learning Through Descriptive Inquiry At The Cypress Hills Community School, Laura Ascenzi-Moreno, Cecilia M. Espinosa, Sarah Ferholt, Michael Loeb, Berky Lugo-Salcedo, Cecilia Traugh

Publications and Research

This paper describes the work of a collaborative study group on exploring the multiple literacies of students at one school in Brooklyn, NY. Through descriptive review, the group developed knowledge about how to support student language and bilingualism through responsive techniques.

Building Literacy Through Literature, Elvina Tong

Graduate Student Independent Studies

A study of literacy and literature in the early and middle childhood years. Models of teaching literacy are examined and cooperative learning, in place of ability grouping, is recommended.

Drama In The Classroom And Improved Academic Performance, Dennis R. Miller Jr.

Dimensions

Educators are generally aware of the importance of using authentic texts reflecting real-world situations in the language classroom. Tarone & Swain (1995) argue that contextualized materials that reflect nonacademic settings are highly beneficial in the language classroom and increase student proficiency. This article examines the effects of using an unedited Nicaraguan play on student self-esteem and motivation by comparing second-semester Spanish classes that performed the play to those that did not. Three very different student environments are examined: a large, primarily White state university; a men’s correctional facility; and a private, historically African- American college. All students involved in the …

An Analysis Of The Teaching Proficiency Through Reading And Storytelling (Tprs) Method, David Alley, Denise Overfield

Dimensions

Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) is a popular method for teaching world languages that largely abandons textbooks and grammatical exercises in favor of short, humorous stories paired with physical movements. This article provides an historical context for the TPRS method, a summary of the method’s procedures, and a description of the current status of the TPRS movement. Finally, the article considers the method in light of recent second language acquisition research in an effort to establish theoretical support for the enthusiastic claims of its proponents. The study reveals that TPRS has more in common with older language teaching …

Technology For Oral Assessment, Patricia Early, Peter B. Swanson

Dimensions

With recent developments in multimedia recording, researchers have begun to investigate the use of technology in oral proficiency assessment. This article addresses the benefits and ease of using seven different multimedia tools to assess P-16 students’ oral language proficiency and compares traditional methods of in-class oral language assessment to out-of-class recordings. Additionally, the authors discuss the potential benefits of using technology to lower students’ affective filter, to provide teachers with a digital portfolio of student progress, and to increase instructional and preparation time.

The National Security Language Initiative And Less Commonly Taught Languages, Elvira Sanatullova-Allison

Dimensions

In response to the events of September 11, 2001, and subsequent international developments, President George W. Bush introduced in 2006 the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI). The NSLI identifies a number of less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) as critical-need foreign languages and aims to further strengthen national security and prosperity in the 21st century by dramatically increasing the number of Americans studying these languages. To achieve this goal, under the direction of the President, various governmental agencies have developed a comprehensive national plan to expand U.S. foreign language education beginning in early childhood and continuing throughout formal schooling and into …

The Belgian Connection, Lisa Signori

Dimensions

The land known today as Belgium is home to many important historical and cultural icons that many associate with France. Charlemagne, Jacques Brel, René Magritte, Georges Simenon, and even the ubiquitous “French” fries, all have an intimate Belgian connection. When one thinks of Francophone cultures, however, the focus normally turns to Africa, Québec, the Caribbean, perhaps Switzerland, but almost never to Belgium. This article presents a cultural unit on French-speaking Belgium that illuminates the country’s linguistic and cultural geography, its history, politics, arts, and gastronomy. In addition to these basic culture capsules, the article offers suggestions for teaching and for …

Languages For The Nation

Dimensions

SCOLT Dimensions Volume 43

The Teacher Work Sample In Foreign Language Education, Marat Sanatullov

Dimensions

Based on a sample WebQuest, the article analyzes how the Teacher Work Sample (TWS) and the preparation of foreign language practitioners can be implemented in light of contemporary theory, research, practices, and expectations for foreign language teaching, learning, and teacher education. The TWS framework emphasizes the integration of contextualized, proficiency-oriented, and assessment-driven communicative tasks, technology, and learners’ multiple intelligences in the classroom.

Technoconstructivism And The Millennial Generation: Creative Writing In The Foreign Language Classroom, Edwina Spodark

Dimensions

The Millennial Generation is different from the generations of foreign language students who have preceded them. In the classroom, Millennial students prefer collaborative learning, the use of technology, a peer review/support/connection, structure, hands-on learning, and opportunities for personal creativity. This contemporary generation needs teachers to adopt a more relevant methodology to reflect their understanding of and respect for the information mindset that students bring to the classroom. Given these traits, the most effective methodology for their learning environment is one that blends the pedagogical practices advocated by social constructivism with the benefits of educational technology that speaks directly to the …

Connecting A Standards-Based Curriculum With Student Performance And Assessment, Rosalie Cheatham

Dimensions

This article presents an approach to revising foreign language course and program assessment so that expectations for student performance and achievement in a standards-based curriculum reflect real-world contexts in which students learn to perform communicative tasks likely to be encountered in the target culture. Recognizing that many students choose to learn only the material that will be tested, this approach provides rationale and techniques to link instruction, practice, and assessment so that students will be motivated to use appropriate language and relevant technology to communicate on a variety of topics applicable to the target culture. Developing assessments that reflect accurately …

Eap Teacher Expectations Vs. Efl Student Interpretation Of Written Teacher Feedback: Authority And Attitude Issues, Heba Saber El-Sayed

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival, Karen Rowell, The University Of Southern Mississippi, The University Of Southern Mississippi's School Of Library And Information Science

Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival Programs

The program for the forty-first annual Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival held on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 2008.

The Silver Scarab : An Epic Of Ancient Egypt : An Original Book For Children In Their Middle Years, Adam Gidwitz

Graduate Student Independent Studies

An original historical-adventure novel for children on Ancient Egypt. It tells the tale of two children, the son of a great military figure and the daughter of the Pharaoh. The protagonists encounter kidnappers, assassins, and gods; but their greatest challenge is to forge their own identities in the shadow of their own powerful parents. Includes a discussion of how the novel was written.

A Guide To Balanced Literacy—Pertaining To Reading—For The Intermediate Elementary Teacher, Meghann Finn Mcdonald Martin

All Graduate Projects

This project is a resource that offers information on how to implement, plan, and assess reading using the instructional strategies of balanced literacy. A review of the literature on all four instructional strategies of balance literacy is included. This guide will aid intermediate elementary teachers in planning effective instruction. The intent of this project is to provide a realistic and useful source for classroom teachers to utilize when planning and assessing reading instruction. Finally in addition to the sample lesson plans are examples of texts used for each lesson.

Instructional Models And Strategies For Language Acquisition And Literacy, Sheri Ann Ruiz

All Graduate Projects

This study introduces research that shows the most effective teaching models and strategies for language acquisition for students whose primary language is not English in the United States; although most of the research and suggestions presented are also effective for teaching all students, regardless of the student's language level. First, a short background of the history of bilingual education is reviewed. Then, the language domains and various stages oflanguage acquisition are explained. Later, an overview of the research of the most effective teaching models and strategies are provided to inform preschool through 12th grade classroom teachers, Para educators (teaching assistants), …

Following Tradition: Young Adult Literature As Neo-Slave Narrative, Kaavonia Hinton

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of The Getting It Right: Literacy And Numeracy Strategy In Western Australian Schools, Marion Meiers, Lawrence Ingvarson, Adrian Beavis, John Hogan, Elizabeth Kleinhenz

Shaping educational policy

This evaluation report is presented in two volumes. Volume 1, Evaluation of the GiR-LNS is focused mainly on the survey component of the evaluation. The complete data set from the surveys undertaken in 2003 and 2004 is analysed, and conclusions drawn from these analyses. The concluding sections draw on the survey data, some research literature and the illustrative case studies to report on the effectiveness of the GiR-LNS as a strategy for professional development, and as a strategy for change. Volume 2, Getting it Right in Context, presents the findings from the illustrative case studies. Twenty schools from across Western …

A Model For The Integration Of Writing Across Fourth Reading Curriculum, Barbara Mae Truchon

All Graduate Projects

The evidence from the literature review points to the challenge students of Washington State face today. Reading and writing are the key components in all content areas students are required to learn in today's schools. The challenge for educators is to provide reading and writing instruction that will enable our students to become proficient in the skills they need to pass high stakes assessments like the WASL and become productive members of our ever changing global society. This project presents a model of integrating writing to learn strategies into the reading curriculum. A discussion of the rationale supporting this model …

Montclair State University’S Secondary English Education Program : Perceptions And Expectations Of Pre-Service And Beginning Teachers Of Writing, David B. Malter

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

No abstract provided.

Turning Today’S Students Into Tomorrow’S Stars, Aleidine Kramer Moeller, Janine Theiler, Silvia Betta

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

Selected Papers from the 2008 Central States Conference

Adeiline J. Moeller, Editor

Janine Theiler, Assistant Editor

Silvia Betta, Assistant Editor

1 The Important Work of Engaging Our 21st Century Learners — Toni Theisen

2 A Model for Teaching Cross-Cultural Perspectives — Susan M. Knight

3 The Stealth Approach to Critical Thinking in Beginning Spanish Classes — Deanna H. Mihaly

4 Teaching About the French Heritage of the Midwest — Randa Duvick

5 Integrating Russian Cuisine with Russian Language and Culture Classes — Marat Sanatullov

6 Preparing a Fotonovela in the Foreign Language Classroom — Carol Eiber

7 Engaging Students through …

Primary Teachers' Knowledge And Knowledge Calibration Of Early Literacy Practices, Tami Al-Hazza, Charlene Fleener, Jane Hager

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This research design was based on the knowledge calibration work by Cunningham, Perry, Stanovich, and Stanovich (2004). One hundred and forty-one full time teachers participated in a four day professional development workshop on research-based reading instruction. Participants were administered a three-part survey comprised of 1) demographic information 2) knowledge calibration items measuring perceived understanding of phonics, phonological awareness, and syllabication and 3) phonics pretest published in Self-Paced Phonics: A Text for Educators (2005). There were statistically significant differences between participants who rated their knowledge as high and those who rated their knowledge as low on the phonological and phonics items. …

The Effects Of Parental Involvement On Early Reading Acquisition Among Kindergarten Students, Erin Vander Velde

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Children begin to develop literacy skills long before they enter formal education. It has been found that parental involvement in the early literacy process through both formal and informal activities at home can help to improve a child's reading abilities, even when risk factors are present. Providing skills to parents may help them to bolster their child's reading acquisition. This study sought to determine the impact of parental on the reading skills of kindergarten students, as measured by the Dynamic Indicators of Parents of three students receiving Title I services in reading attended a reading seminar. Children of parents attending …

Mexican Immigrant Parents' Beliefs And Practices Related To Literacy, Pamela M. Spurgeon

Education Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the literacy practices and beliefs exhibited by immigrant parents of Mexican descent in Oregon. The researcher collected data using a questionnaire and examined the correlation between generational differences of immigrants and respondents' beliefs and practices regarding reading and writing. From the survey sample, the researcher selected 5 representative families for observations and interviews to further explore how literacy is practiced in Mexican immigrant families' homes and daily lives. The belief regarding whether or not children begin learning before they go to school generated the most disagreement amongst participants. Data correlating acculturation and …

The Impact Of The “Universal Voyager Literacy” Reading Program On Reading Achievement And Instructional Practices In An Urban School District, Shanika L. Hope

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Studies

Founded in 1994, Voyager Expanded Learning is a provider of K-3 in-school reading programs, as well as K-8 reading intervention programs for school districts throughout the United States. Voyager Universal Literacy's systematic, precise framework fully addresses the five elements of reading instruction, through an explicit succession of ability growth. Voyager Universal Literacy was developed to be a comprehensive program encompassing the subsequent requisites: in-school broad reading program, progress monitoring methods, extensive-day and summer activities, home learning syllabus, implementation monitoring, and on-going professional development. Voyager Universal Literacy Program activities are organized to provide a thorough range and progression for reading instruction. …