Full Citation
Title: Evaluation of Teachers' Perceptions of Effective Instructional Methods for English Language Learners
Citation Type: Dissertation/Thesis
Publication Year: 2015
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Abstract: Students whose native language is not English and who attend American schools, or who are English language learners (ELLs), face challenges in achieving academic success. Krashen’s theory of English acquisition has influenced most programs designed to help ELL students. However, no research to date has focused on whether ELL teachers think these programs actually work. The goal of this qualitative study was to address this gap using teachers’ responses to questions regarding the effectiveness of current ELL programs. The research questions that guided this study focused on how ELL teachers perceived the effectiveness of ELL instructional methods, how they perceived the ELL programs implemented by their schools, and the factors they perceived as contributing to how quickly ELL students learn. Sixteen ELL teachers in five Texas elementary charter schools participated in this research by completing an open-ended survey. The qualitative information obtained from the surveys was used to identify themes that were used to answer the research questions. The teachers reported that they believed the most effective instructional methods built on basic language theory and utilized repetition and a variety of resources to communicate the basics of word recognition, phonetics, tenses, grammar, and reading comprehension. Participants also expressed dissatisfaction with federal programs and standards-based assessments. Additional research, such as a longitudinal study or one with a larger sample (perhaps including schools in other regions), would increase the generalizing of these results and further increase existing knowledge about what teachers perceive to be effective methods for teaching ELL students.
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Authors: Sprayberry-King, Lana, C
Institution: Grand Canyon University
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Degree: Doctorate of Education
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Pages: 188
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Education
Countries: United States