Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

A Mixed Methods Study Of South Carolina Reading Policy On Teacher Knowledge, Matthew Ferguson

All Dissertations

This sequential explanatory mixed methods study examines the impact of the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional learning intervention on teacher knowledge within the context of South Carolina's reading policy.

Quantitative analyses of pre- and post-assessment data indicate significant improvements in teacher content knowledge of foundational literacy skills following LETRS training. Descriptive statistics and paired-samples t-tests demonstrate substantial gains in knowledge, particularly in Volume 1 of the LETRS curriculum. The study reveals notable increases in pre- and post-assessment scores, suggesting the effectiveness of LETRS in enhancing teacher expertise.

Qualitative findings from focus groups highlight the positive …

Talking About Writing: Scenes Of Writing Workshops In History And Practice, Erika Luckert

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This dissertation envisions the writing workshop as a space where we do essential political and social work—where we can reimagine writing, and the teaching of writing, in more interdependent and inclusive ways. This research responds to the work of BIPOC writers and scholars who have urged those of us in Writing Studies to address the homogeneity of the workshop’s history, and to revise its exclusionary logics. Drawing on interviews and observations of teachers in undergraduate creative writing and composition classrooms across the United States, the author examines what actually happens when students talk together about their in-progress writing. This dissertation …

The Affable Raphael: Milton's Surrogate Instructor In Paradise Lost., Beau Kilpatrick

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

John Milton’s Paradise Lost (1667) is a beautifully written epic that continues to be a stalwart text in the English literary canon, with unlimited potential for interpretation. In this dissertation I propose that Paradise Lost can be read as a pedagogical lesson for Milton’s “fit audience,” where the author implements his views on education in the context of heaven, hell, and Paradise. In the poem, Milton presents three pedagogical methodologies: first, the wrong way to knowledge is presented through Satan’s manipulations of the fallen angels and Eve; second, the divine way to knowledge is illustrated via Michael’s prophecy to Adam …

“I’M Going To Have To Be Far More Prepared": A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Teacher Candidate Discussion And Projected Teaching Of Literature., Taylor Rose-Dougherty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative dissertation study contributes to conversations around the practical knowledge gap–professional behaviors or practices which are underdeveloped in available research–between critically oriented literacy teacher preparation programs and praxis in early career classrooms. Critical literacy, or engaging with major texts, discourses, and ways of communicating in a culture or context, attempts to locate and disrupt power imbalances and encourage justice-oriented activism. While teacher candidates (TCs) often practice critical literacy in their training programs, they often struggle to facilitate critical literacy instruction in their own classrooms. Using Thematic Analysis (TA) for data reduction and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) for data analysis, …

Exploradores De Idiomas: High School Led Spanish Lessons, Lauren Sebring

Honors Projects

To better understand how to educate U.S. students to be global citizens, this applied research project will investigate how cities can begin to incorporate small language programs into their communities in order to create more opportunities for students to become bilingual and develop global competence.

Mindful Education: Strategies For Promoting Body Positivity Through Literature Works In The Classroom, Ellie Kronberg

Honors Projects

This project presents a comprehensive guide with a structured, yet flexible framework for educators to adapt into their curriculums, and is aimed at assisting in facilitating meaningful discussions about body image and diversity through a study of literature. Using mentor texts, this guide provides educators with practical strategies and resources to promote positive body image in their classroom. These mentor texts have explicit themes of body representation, positivity, and self-acceptance, which emphasize the importance of promoting body diversity and challenging stereotypes. This guide offers insights into how literature can serve as a powerful tool for addressing body representation in a …

Addressing Conspiracy Theories Through Media And Data Literacy Education. An Exploratory Case Study, Francesco Fabbro, Elena Gabbi

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Lately conspiracy theories (CT) are increasingly hovering over Education Studies, mostly as problems in search of a solution. This paper problematizes this educational solutionist discourse by reflecting critically on different framing of CT (i.e. epistemological and ethico-political) and some related educational responses, ranging from pre/debunking strategies to democratic discussion. In addition, Media Data Literacy Education (MDLE) is presented as a viable educational approach to address CT circulating onlife. The approach is empirically explored through an online workshop with a small group of social workers attending a course for socio-pedagogical educators at the University of Florence. A qualitative mixed methodology is …

Transcultural Perspectives In English Language Education: Teaching English In The Czech Republic From An American Lens, Bailey Price

Honors Projects

This project aims to provide a thorough examination of the English language education landscape in the Czech Republic, shedding light on key aspects such as the age of initiation, fluency attainment expectations, and the influence of various educational tracks. It delves into the sociocultural factors shaping English language acquisition, including the perceived necessity of learning English, parental language practices, and generational differences in proficiency. To capture the perspectives of American English teachers working in the Czech Republic, my research explores their attitudes, expectations, and challenges. This considers factors such as the necessity of knowing the Czech language and the perception …

The Literary Tarot, The Literary Classics Edition Guidebook, And Oracle's Atlas: A Companion To The Literary Tarot Classics Edition From The Brink Literacy Project, Emily E. Auger

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

Review of The Literary Tarot, The Literary Tarot Classics Edition Guidebook, and Oracle's Atlas: A Companion to the Literary Tarot Classics Edition. © 2022 Brink Literacy Project. UPC 195893099603.

Can Chinese Be Learned Through Card Game Play?, Sixin Fu

Student Research Symposium

Learning environments play a vital role in students’ learning experience to engage and enhance learning. Implementing games as a learning tool has a substantial impact on students' learning (Lukas et al., 2020). Research indicate that students demonstrate increased engagement in language learning when games are integrated in the learning process (Karyati & Rachmawati, 2019). The use of games introduces cultural contexts that facilitate meaningful collaborative conversations among learners (Poole, et al., 2019). This paper investigates whether Chinese can be learned through card gameplay.

Emory Healthcare Training Module For Esol Teachers, Parker Lindsey Timmons

Eagle Showcase: Excellence in Service-Learning (Archived)

The Language Instruction Training Module, specifically designed for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers at Emory Health Systems, serves as a pioneering educational tool to enhance English language proficiency among non-English speaking employees. This comprehensive program aims to equip educators with essential tools and strategies for effective language teaching within a diverse healthcare setting. Recognizing the pivotal role of language educators in fostering a culture of inclusivity and effective communication, this module focuses on facilitating language acquisition and developing communication skills among staff members. The training is uniquely tailored to the healthcare sector, emphasizing the importance of language …

Language Acquisition: Which Factors Make It Easier To Learn Another Language?, Johanna Gref

2024 Student Academic Showcase

My presentation looks at factors influencing second language acquisition and whether they facilitate or hinder the learning process. I will begin by reviewing language acquisition theories applicable to infants and toddlers, providing a foundational understanding. As a key factor, I will examine age of acquisition in relation to successful second language acquisition. The role of intelligence on second language acquisition will also be discussed. Additionally, I will investigate whether certain languages are inherently easier to learn based on syntax, vocabulary, and one’s native language. My discussion will extend to examining the ease of acquiring multiple languages after acquiring a second …

Healing A Generation; Implementation Of Higher Education Curricula For Venezuelan Journalism Students Living Under Structural Violence To Promote A Transition Into Democracy, José Luis Jiménez-Figarotti Prof.

The SUNY Journal of the Scholarship of Engagement: JoSE

Venezuela's sociopolitical landscape has deteriorated significantly over the past decade, culminating in a profound humanitarian crisis. This ethnography, conducted from 2015 to the present, explores the experiences of a study group comprising 2000 Venezuelan communication college students, aged 17 to 25, who navigate structural violence while striving for quality higher education. The research employed a multifaceted approach, encompassing interviews, focus groups, and observations. Additionally, this qualitative study examines the outcomes of implementing an interdisciplinary journalism curriculum grounded in human rights and media activism, complemented by online sessions and an environmental education component. This educational project aims to foster critical thinking …

Steps To Prepare Bilingual Data For Analysis: A Methodological Approach, Gulab Khilji, Nazir Ahmed Jogezai

The Qualitative Report

This methodological paper offers a five-step model for preparing bilingual data for analysis. The article is guided by research in translating bilingual data into qualitative research. A systematic analysis of the research studies was conducted to identify workable options for preparing bilingual data for analysis. The proposed five-step model is comprised of (1) translator’s worldview and professionalism, (2) epistemological, ontological, and methodological considerations, (3) line of translation, (4) responsiveness to cultural terms and (5) eagerness to trustworthiness and reliability of the data. Researcher’s worldviews encompass the visibility of translator’s positionality for reflexivity, avoidance of biasness, and demonstration of professionalism. The …

Between Pages And Politics: An Interdisciplinary Exploration Of Book Bans, Hannah Morrison

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Across the United States, school boards are being inundated with requests to ban books. While these conversations are often localized, what the rise in censorship across the country suggests is that there is a fierce movement behind censoring young adult literature. What is frequently erased in these campaigns are stories of people of color and queer communities, alongside topics such as sexuality, drugs, or violence. The presiding conclusion within childhood studies on how we have reached a point where censorship is abundantly common in American schools is that public discourse views children as less than or not fully formed, thus …

Constructing Refugee Identity: A Heuristic Inquiry Into Experiences Of Ukrainian Refugees, Deana Tsabak

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Besides the despicable atrocities and devastation, Russia’s war in Ukraine caused the emergence of a group of refugees previously unknown in the U.S. and the world. The phenomenon of “Ukrainian refugees” is new to the immigration and resettlement agencies, host communities, employers, and educators. This research explores how five Ukrainians who left their homeland after the beginning of Russia’s war construct their refugee identity in the United States. Furthermore, this study aims to discover in what ways learning English in the English Language Learning (ELL) program at a community college in Nebraska influences refugee identity construction in resettlement.

This study …

Intensive English Program Design For Minnesota Public School District, Ellen Bialka

Capstone Collection

The recent rise in undocumented immigrants in Minnesota has brought to light significant demographic shifts within the state. Many individuals in this population have limited or no proficiency in English, which highlights the challenges immigrant communities face in adapting to their new linguistic surroundings. As a result, educators have been presented with the challenge of serving a growing number of immigrant children in their schools. To tackle this issue, an intensive English program was developed for a suburban public school district in Minnesota to offer a more targeted approach to improving English proficiency among students before beginning courses required for …

Booktok's Potentials And Possibilities In Composition Studies: An Interactive Digital Collection, Hanna Varilek

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The following thesis, “BookTok’s Potentials and Possibilities in Composition Studies: An Interactive Digital Collection,” explores the phenomenon of BookTok, a vibrant out-of-school literacy program on the social media platform TikTok centered around books, reading, and literary discussions. As digital platforms continue to shape contemporary cultural landscapes, BookTok emerges as a unique space where users engage with literature and participate in discussions that influence their reading habits and preferences. This thesis explores the possibilities of BookTok in reimagining the current landscape of first-year writing and composition classrooms by introducing an interactive digital collection of BookTok content and educational resources titled, The …

Exploring Language And Community Through Social Media: How Culturally Diverse English Language Learners Use Social Media Apps To Connect, Find Community And Communicate With Korean Entertainment Fandoms, Auteema Suber Ma

All Student Scholarship

This research aimed to investigate how fans of Korean entertainment from various cultural backgrounds utilize social media (SM) platforms to engage with each other. Additionally, the study examined if these social media connections offer genuine opportunities for English language practice and learning for English language learners (ELL’s). Through data collected via surveys and questionnaires and the analysis of online interactions, the study delved into the ways in which social media serves as a bridge for fans to exchange ideas and build a sense of community across diverse cultures. It also demonstrated these platforms can be a safe environment when implementing …

The Impact Of Strategic, Skill-Focused Intervention On First Grade Students Identified As "At Risk" For Dyslexia: An Improvement Science Dissertation In Practice, Stephanie Clawson

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The purpose of this Implementation Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) was to improve student achievement through the use of short, easily implemented, targeted interventions, performed by the classroom teacher. The targeted interventions provided in this study were aligned to specific skill areas, identified by the aimswebPlus Early Literacy Benchmark (ELB), and were evidence-based intervention tools currently in use within the district. The interventions were designed to be delivered by teachers within their literacy instructional blocks, and were 5-15 minutes in length. Teachers were asked to collect data using an aimswebPlus probe every two weeks to track student progress. Teachers then …

La Voz Del Autor En El Discurso Médico Y Sus Implicaciones En Ele, David Sanchez-Jimenez

Publications and Research

La demanda de profesionales de la salud que pueden prestar atención lingüísticamente concordante al paciente en contextos multilingües explica el aumento de los cursos de español médico en el currículo de pregrado y posgrado en instituciones universitarias de Estados Unidos en las últimas décadas. El aprendizaje de los estudiantes matriculados en estos cursos requiere el conocimiento de las características retórico-discursivas propias de los principales géneros discursivos que estudian durante su carrera para fines específicos en el campo de la salud los alumnos universitarios de español, cuyo fin último será el de replicarlos eficazmente en su práctica profesional. Por ello, en …

Argumentación Y Prácticas En El Ámbito Universitario. Pautas Para La Escritura Académica, Daniel Alonso Mattern Hernández, Cindy Catherine Martínez Martínez

Institucional

Este libro aborda de manera práctica y comprensiva los desafíos comunes de la escritura académica, ofreciendo estrategias desde la fase inicial de investigación hasta la presentación final de resultados. En sus páginas, aprenderás a identificar los tipos de investigación, definir temas y objetivos claros, seleccionar una metodología adecuada y estructurar tus textos de manera coherente y ordenada. Además, descubrirás cómo redactar introducciones impactantes, desarrollar argumentos convincentes y presentar resultados y conclusiones de forma clara y concisa, todo mientras mantienes la integridad académica a través de una correcta citación y referencias bibliográficas. Ya sea que estés comenzando o busques perfeccionar tus …

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.

Volume 72, Issue 2: Windows, Mirrors And Sliding Glass Doors - Bridging The Divide Call For Submissions

Virginia English Journal

No abstract provided.

I Can... Will You?, Cheryl Golden

Virginia English Journal

No abstract provided.

Take A Risk: A Review Of Expanding Literacy, Hollie M. Bergeron, Jenny M. Martin

Virginia English Journal

This is a book review of Expanding Literacy: Bringing Digital Storytelling into Your Classroom by Brett Pierce in 2022. Review collaboratively by two teacher educators and a content area literacy course, this thorough review of Pierce's book for educators includes many perspectives.

The Learning Center: Changing Your Writing Center To A Learning Center, Kyle D. Trott Ph.D.

Virginia English Journal

The purpose of this article is to reimagine the Writing Center not as an island removed from the disciplines or resource extending from the English Department, but as the heart of the secondary school. One way to do this is to recognize the need for secondary school writing centers to engage the academic community comprised of the five core disciplines—English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language—through advocacy and shared responsibility by means of creating and engaging through agency by utilizing the honor societies in the various disciplines through the local example of the Woodbridge Senior High School’s development of the …

Lessons From The Bluest Eye: The Discovery Of Self, Shanda D. Boone-Hurdle

Virginia English Journal

This article will explore the profound impact of reading, utilizing Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye as a catalyst for students to create real-life connections that resonate with their own experiences. The love of reading is a transformative force that not only enriches the intellectual landscape but also serves as a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding. This article will demonstrate how reading empowers students and helps them find solace and strength in the realization that their struggles, dreams, and aspirations are not isolated but are woven into the fabric of a broader narrative in which students can reflect …

Engaging Students In Writing With Nonfiction Social Justice Texts, Tracy Spurlin-Saravanan

Virginia English Journal

Getting students engaged in writing in a high school setting is usually challenging and often elicits complaints of boredom. However, the utilization of texts that focus on the experiences of marginalized people and that educates about social injustices can get students interested. When students read texts that inform them about such issues that they might otherwise never hear about and when they are invited to share their views through writing, the door to learning to become critical thinkers and global citizens is opened for them.

Write Like The Character: A New Take On Using Mentor Text To Support Writing, Tracy L. Hough

Virginia English Journal

Writing is a complex process that requires the orchestration of cognitive, social, and emotional processes. This analysis explores ways to help our students navigate the complexities of becoming a writer by expanding the use of mentor texts to include an examination of characters who write, modeling the real challenges and rewards associated with becoming a writer. The themes identified within the selected mentor texts focus on finding encouragement and inspiration to write from others, making sense of the world through personal writing, and discovering one's voice and identity as a writer. By extending our use of mentor texts, we help …