Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

Vocabulary Acquisition Through Developmental Play, Amy Storlie

Graduate Teacher Education

As the population of English learners in the United States grew, there was a greater need for linguistically and developmentally appropriate instructional approaches for young learners. The question that guided this research on appropriate instructional approaches was: How does developmental play support the acquisition of academic vocabulary among early-emergent multilingual students in kindergarten and first grade? The research review examined peer-reviewed research across three interconnected bodies of literature: play-based learning, interactions in developmental play, and vocabulary instruction. The findings indicated that purposeful, guided play strengthened executive function, expressive language, and academic growth. In addition, collaborative practices such as translanguaging supported …

Automated Scoring Of Prosody In Oral Reading Fluency: Integrating Acoustic And Sentence/Chunk-Level Silence Features With Machine Learning, Kuo Wang

Education Policy and Leadership Theses and Dissertations

Prosody, the ability to read with appropriate variation in pitch, duration, pausing, and stress, is an important (and challenging to measure) dimension of oral reading fluency (ORF) and comprehension. ORF prosody is currently measured through human raters and rubric-based scoring systems (e.g., the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) or the Multidimensional Fluency Scale (MDFS scales). The rating process is labor and resource-intensive and introduces rater bias. Recent work has shown acoustic features to predict prosody ratings; however, their models had low generalization performance on cross-domain data (unseen passages and student samples).

The present study investigated the automated assessment of …

Hubungan Rencana Karir Dan Keberhasilan Studi Mahasiswa Pendidikan Bahasa Jerman Universitas Negeri Malang, Andi Burhanudin S., Primardiana Hermilia Wijayati

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

This study aimed to examine the relationship between career planning and academic success among undergraduate students in the German Language Education Study Program at Universitas Negeri Malang. A quantitative correlational design was employed. From a population of 335 students, a total of 126 respondents who met the research criteria and completed the questionnaire were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test, and Spearman’s rank-order correlation (ρ). The results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between career planning and academic success (ρ = .527, p < .001). Students who demonstrated more active career exploration, greater self-understanding, clearer career goals, and better utilization of academic and social support tended to achieve higher academic performance, as reflected in a cumulative grade point average (GPA) above 3.00. Nevertheless, the findings also indicate that students’ career readiness still requires further development. This is reflected in their predominant use of general job-search platforms and the relatively limited participation in career development activities. Therefore, higher education institutions should strengthen career guidance services by providing more systematic career information, expanding access to career development programs, and integrating career services into the academic learning process to better prepare students for the labor market.

Inspiring Multilingual Children To Explore The Natural World Using Nature-Based Literature, Jennifer Hill, Deborah Wheeler

Journal of English Learner Education

Nature-based learning has become more popular in the United States since COVID-19, and incorporating nature-based learning including books about the natural world aligns with children’s natural curiosity, and desire to actively explore through play. Indeed, nature-based learning has many benefits ranging from supporting child development, promoting social-emotional well-being, and creating an inclusive learning environment for multilingual students. Reading nature-based literature and providing access to nature-based literature is a holistic methodology teachers should include in their classroom. This paper highlights the benefits of nature-based learning and provides a variety of topics and resources teacher can utilize.

The Relationship Between School Connectedness And Well-Being Among Racial Minority English Language Learners: Implications For School Counselors, Laura Craven, Jonathan Ohrt, Keeland Lodato

Journal of English Learner Education

Students who feel connected to their school experience better academic performance, social competence, and mental health. English Language Learners (ELL) face unique challenges to school connectedness compared to their English-speaking peers. In this study, we explored the relationship between school connectedness and well-being for 205 racial minority ELL students. ELL students’ perceived school belonging was a significant predictor of well-being. We discuss implications for school counselors, including specific strategies for increasing ELL students’ school connectedness.

Sustained Reading: Multilingual Learners Exploring The Language Of A Text, Priscila J.B.M. Costa, Luciana C. De Oliveira, Meghan Love

Journal of English Learner Education

In US schools, multilingual learners (MLs) are expected to meet the same rigorous disciplinary standards as their English-speaking peers while also developing proficiency in English. This article demonstrates how sustained reading, as part of the Teaching and Learning Cycle, can support MLs' access to disciplinary literacy through the explicit attention to language features. Grounded on the Language-based Approach to Content Instruction (LACI), the article presents a classroom vignette from a 5th-grade social studies lesson in which MLs dissected a mentor text. The lesson illustrates how code-breaking within sustained reading makes disciplinary language visible, helping students notice the linguistic choices common …

Are You Performing With A Band Or Singing Karaoke? Rethinking Co-Teaching Roles And Practices To Serve El-Classified Multilingual Learners, Jaclyn Bovee, Amanda K. Kibler, Martha Sandstead, Martha Castellón Palacios, Sarah Howard

Journal of English Learner Education

As educators utilize various forms of teacher collaboration to address the academic and linguistic development of multilingual learners classified as English learners, it is important to understand teachers’ collaborative roles and practices and their influence on the instruction that students receive. In this Research and Theory article, we draw upon our findings from a recent qualitative study of middle and high school co-teachers in the United States to provide a research-based reflective tool that educators can use to explore their own collaborative practices in providing content and language integrated instruction. Drawing upon notions of interdependence and preparation, we present a …

Combination Of Using Chatgpt And Quizlet To Learn Vocabulary: A Study Of Learners’ Perceptions, Uyên Tràn Như Lê, Huyen Diem Bich Bui

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

Although vocabulary learning is essential for reading comprehension, many students encounter challenges in personalizing their learning due to limited access to supportive tools or techniques. The integration of digital learning platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) offers new possibilities for addressing this issue. The combination of Quizlet and ChatGPT 5.0 (free version) provides a promising solution for vocabulary learning. However, there remains limited research, especially in Vietnam, on how students perceive AI-assisted vocabulary learning. This study examines how 107 pre-intermediate-level non-majors at a university in Ho Chi Minh City perceive the combination of Chat GPT and Quizlet for vocabulary learning in …

Students’ Writing Mindset And Grit: Influences Of Nationality, Academic Track, And Gender, John George Pastor, Ma. Joahna Mante-Estacio

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

Senior high school (SHS) students in the Philippines are required to produce various academic papers that adhere to the properties of well-written texts. However, studies found that SHS students encounter difficulties with writing across a variety of content and ideas, vocabulary, diction, sentence and paragraph structures, language usage, and referencing (Pablo et al., 2018; Urbano et al., 2021). Despite these concerns, they are expected to persevere and show interest in improving their writing skills. In this context, this quantitative-descriptive study aimed to analyze the potential influences of sociocultural factors on the writing mindset and grit of the SHS students in …

Spotlight: Resources For Listening Proficiency In Russian, Molly Godwin-Jones

Russian Language Journal

The Digital Resources Corner (DRC) offers reviews of new digital resources that could be beneficial in the teaching and/or learning of Slavic languages. It is intended for instructors looking for or evaluating different materials to use in the classroom.

Russian For The Professions: Creating An M.A. Program In The Context Of Holistic Foreign Language Instruction, Angela Brintlinger, Andrei Cretu, Helen Myers, Emma Pratt, Larysa Stepanova

Russian Language Journal

This paper presents the design, implementation, and some preliminary outcomes of measures aiming at integrating career readiness into the Russian language program at Ohio State University through the creation of a “Russian for the Professions” (RFP) stand-alone M.A. degree. While the M.A. program is still relatively small, its courses serve a larger contingent of students who have achieved or aspire to higher language competency. The key component of the program comprises courses offering specialized language skills in business, cybersecurity, government and foreign affairs, information services, media, and translation. Career-focused curricular offerings are supplemented by programming offered in partnership with industry …

A Systematic Review Of Writing Interventions For Elementary Pre-Service Teachers, Lindsey Wiggins, Hannah Carter, Katherine L. Wright

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

Effective writing instruction in elementary classrooms depends on teachers who are prepared as both writers and instructors. Yet, writing methods courses remain limited in teacher preparation programs (TPPs), leaving many pre-service teachers (PSTs) underprepared to teach writing. This systematic literature review synthesized 20 U.S.-based studies (2011–2024) on writing and writing instruction interventions with elementary PSTs. Two questions guided the review: (a) How have researchers measured the effects of interventions? and (b) What are the characteristics of effective interventions? Findings show that most studies relied on self-reported measures, with limited use of validated or observational tools, raising concerns about consistency and …

Who We Are, How We Teach: Writing Teacher Identity In The Secondary Ela Classroom, Danielle Alexander

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

The journal submission guidelines stated not to include an abstract.

Constructing Evidence And Epistemic Agency In Science, Katherine S. Misar

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

This microethnographic discourse analytic study uses an academic literacies theoretical lens to examine how a highly regarded urban high school biology teacher taught students to write from scientific data and positioned of students with epistemic agency using modeling instruction. Drawing on 6 lessons from one instructional unit over the course of two weeks; data sources include audio and video recordings, 30 transcribed literacy events, students’ written work, teacher interviews, case study student interviews, and photos. Participants included an experienced teacher and a student teacher using modeling instruction and 23 “accelerated” biology students in an urban high school. This study addresses …

Beyond Autonomy: An Actor-Network Theory Study Of A Solo Exhibition In Indonesia, Rendy Pandita Bastari, Patra Aditia, Ganesha Puspa Nabila

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

In many exhibition artists are often perceived as singular and autonomous actors. Departing from the critique of this tendency, this study examines the solo exhibition Toyscapes, After Us by Indonesian artist Hilman Hendarsyah (November 2025) as a case study through the lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT), in order to understand art exhibition as relational and socio-material practices. This study traces how exhibitions are produced through interaction between human and non-human actors within heterogeneous network. The analysis was conducted by following the actors and mapping processes of problematization, translation, and network stabilization. The findings elucidates that solo exhibition cannot be understood …

English For Speakers Of Other Languages Program: Compliance Vs Realities Of Practice, Ana Sofia Rodriguez-Oronoz

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This research study examined the misalignment between policy compliance and instructional practice within English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) programs in K–12 public education. Although federal and state mandates require equitable access and services for English language learners (ELLs), compliance with these requirements has not consistently resulted in effective classroom practice. The problem of practice focused on how educators interpreted and enacted ESOL policies and the extent to which these practices aligned with the intent of the Multicultural Education, Training, and Advocacy (META) Consent Decree and related accountability frameworks.

A qualitative research design was used to explore educators’ perceptions …

Analysis And Machine Learning Adaptation Of A Cognitive Model For Human Memory, Trevor Cross, Aihua W. Wood

Faculty Publications

In this paper, we use the Duolingo SLAM dataset to analyze several cognitive models of second language acquisition and develop new approaches for enhanced performance. In particular, we consider the Predictive Performance Equation and some of its underlying power laws. Leveraging insights from machine learning, we develop simple one-feature models as building blocks for combined models that match or in certain cases outperform the existing models at much reduced computational cost. In addition, a neural network with one fully connected hidden layer is constructed that outperforms all other models on sufficiently large datasets.

Thinking Like A Teacher: Professional Identity Formation Through Pedagogical Inquiry And Practitioner Interview, Kyung Lee

Datasets

No abstract provided.

Development Of Differentiated Learning Assisted By Animated Content In Speaking And Writing Learning For Second Grade Elementary School Students, Winaningsih Winaningsih, Euis Eti Rohaeti, Asep Samsudin

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Speaking and writing are basic skills that play a crucial role in supporting the academic development of elementary school students. Initial observations in one elementary school indicated that learning was still uniform, did not fully address differences in student abilities, and the use of digital media was still limited. This study aimed to analyze the development process, feasibility, and effectiveness of a differentiated learning model supported by animated content in improving the speaking and writing skills of second-grade elementary school students, as well as to identify barriers faced by teachers and students in its implementation. This study used a Research …

The Flight Of The Purdue Owl: An Institutional History, Harry C. Denny, Vicki R. Kennell, Garrett I. Colón

The Founders Series

The Flight of the Purdue OWL: An Institutional History chronicles both the widely known Purdue OWL website and the lesser-known but much-celebrated on-campus writing center. Purdue University is renowned for its world-class STEM curriculum as well as its intercollegiate athletics. The university also receives considerable attention, however, for the OWL website, which is one of the most used educational resources in the world. The on-campus OWL is also a highly regarded collegiate writing center. This book tells the history of how the Purdue OWL grew out of decades of faculty working with students and their desire for a laboratory where …

Understanding Dysgraphia: Teaching Students With Dysgraphia, Elizabeth Klein Ms.

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

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In today’s inclusive classrooms, the ability to develop skilled, confident writers is a core competency for every educator. However, while reading disabilities …

Speaking Her Truth: Sarah Aronson On Bella Abzug And Developing A New Generation Of Activists, Roxanne F. Owens Phd

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Sarah Aronson is an award-winning author of children’s literature whose books have appeared on numerous recommended state and professional organization reading lists. She is the recipient of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Crystal Kite Award and the Prairie State Author of the Year Award. She is a sought-after presenter and writing instructor through organizations such as the Highlights Foundation and Writers on the Net. This article draws upon interviews and professional correspondence between Aronson and the author who is a university children’s literature professor. It examines Aronson’s creative motivations, the influence of activist Bella Abzug on …

Bringing Inquiry And Play Into The Study Of Language: Recommendations And Insights For The Ela Classroom, Sean Ruday

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

What are the key components of inquiry and play in teaching and learning? What are the advantages of bringing these concepts into the study of language in the English language arts classroom? How can teachers implement instruction about language that incorporates the concepts of inquiry and play? This article addresses these questions and provides readers with understandings of the roles of inquiry and play in the study of language. It discusses essential components of inquiry and play in teaching and learning, explains key advantages of incorporating these concepts into the study of language, and describes three specific instructional activities, which …

Book Review: A Literacy Coach’S Playbook: Building A Winning Team To Improve Student Achievement, Kirsten Burke Smith

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

This scholarly book review of A Literacy Coach’s Playbook: Building a Winning Team to Improve Student Achievement (Brieske-Ulenski & Kelley, 2025) provides a detailed overview of a new clinical model of literacy coaching. The proposed approach, a Clinical Literacy Coaching Framework (CLCF), draws upon a medical model to build Literacy Leadership Teams (LLT) to improve data-informed and culturally-sustaining instruction.

Using Design Thinking To Support Teacher Confidence In Delivering Culturally Relevant Literacy Instruction To Address Literacy Achievement Gaps, Amy Winters

Dissertations

Despite comprehensive efforts over the years, literacy rates in the United States continued to decline, particularly among students from disadvantaged populations. The literacy achievement gap was driven by socioeconomic disparities, inadequate teacher preparation, and a lack of access to evidence-based, culturally relevant materials. In the Main School District (MSD), the scholar practitioner identified while interventions existed, inconsistencies in literacy instruction and a lack of teacher confidence in delivering culturally responsive instruction hindered student progress. The dissertation in practice focused on addressing issues in literacy instruction and achievement while highlighting ways to meet teachers’ needs and provide means to engage all …

Everyone On The Line: Your Journey Begins Here, Brandy N. Pass

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

Connecting with students is an essential component of an effective English Language Arts classroom. Additionally, establishing a sense of self can be a tremendous asset for student achievement in the classroom. Intentional activities and curricular choices can have positive impacts on both connections and student self-awareness. Literature selections should reflect student populations as part of culturally sustaining pedagogies. While students should be exposed to a variety of cultures through the English Language Arts curriculum, incorporating aspects of their own culture reminds students of the value we place on them and their lifestyles, in addition to the other cultures we study. …

Returning With The Elixir: Transformation In Two Young Adult Novels, April Vázquez

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

The narrative structure of the Hero’s Journey, first elaborated by Joseph Campbell in 1949, is employed in Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani and Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay. In these two works for young people, the protagonists travel to their parents’ native countries, encountering systems of oppression that fundamentally transform their perspectives and alter the trajectories of their lives. Each character follows the same narrative pattern: before the Hero’s Journey, they have led mostly unremarkable lives, have an encounter with the supernatural or the divine, confront systemic oppression in their parents’ native countries on a scale beyond what they …

Atomized English: Fewer Whole Books, More Isolated Learning Experiences, Andrew Newman, Jonna Perrillo, Jeremiah Piña

Department of English Faculty Publications

This white paper presents findings from the State of Literature Instruction National Survey, administered online to secondary English Language Arts (ELA) teachers during the 2024-25 school year. An analysis of approximately 1250 responses demonstrates three key findings: 1) Classes that read whole books are associated with more “social learning” pedagogies; 2) Classes under test pressure are less likely to engage in social learning pedagogies and more likely to offer atomized learning experiences, emphasizing individual, decontextualized skill development; and 3) Digital texts are more likely to be assigned in classes that experience test pressure. We find equity gaps between student identity …

Black Language Matters: Capitalizing On Black English For Educational Success Through Linguistic And Cultural Competence Training, Fritz Lauriston

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This dissertation explores the impact of culturally responsive professional development on K–12 educators’ perceptions and understanding of Black English, also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The study responds to the longstanding marginalization of Black English in educational environments and its implications for academic equity, cultural identity, and student performance—particularly among African American learners. The central intervention, titled “Do You Understand Me? Linguistic and Cultural Competence Black English Professional Development,” was designed to increase teachers’ linguistic awareness, dismantle deficit perspectives, and promote inclusive instructional practices that validate students’ home language.

Using a mixed-method design, 59 certified educators participated in …

Enhancing The Metacognitive Thinking Of Middle-Grade Multilingual Learners: A Design-Based Research Study Leveraging Dialogic Teaching, Renee R. Burns

Dissertations

This study explores how dialogic teaching can enhance metacognition and self-efficacy among middle school multilingual learners (MLs) who face challenges with the academic language demands of literacy tasks. Using a design-based research (DBR) methodology, specifically formative experiment, the Metacognitive Dialogic Teaching Protocol (MDTP) was implemented over seven iterative cycles. The research questions were as follows: How do dialogic interactions impact metacognition in middle-grade MLs? How does Metacognitive Dialogic Teaching affect comprehension development in these students? And how does it influence their self-efficacy? The participants included six middle-grade MLs engaged in a Tier 2 literacy intervention who initially exhibited fake reading …