A study of the challenges facing Arabic-speaking ESL students and teachers: Cultural and linguistic awareness
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Omran Akasha
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Egbert, Joy
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Washington State University
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2014
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
113
GENERAL NOTES
Text of Note
Committee members: Ernst-Slavit, Gisela; Salsbury, Thomas
NOTES PERTAINING TO PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC.
Text of Note
Place of publication: United States, Ann Arbor; ISBN=978-1-321-05284-8
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Ph.D.
Discipline of degree
Language and Literacy Education
Body granting the degree
Washington State University
Text preceding or following the note
2014
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
This dissertation includes a pilot study on the challenges facing students and teachers in middle school and a follow-up study on the influences of situated learning on pre-service teachers' cultural and linguistic awareness. The first study was conducted in spring 2012 and it focused on two Arabic-speaking ESL students and eight in-service middle school teachers. Data sources included teacher and student interviews, classroom observations, and a parent survey. Research questions focused on the needs of the Arabic-speaking ESL students, the factors that influence their learning, and the problems the teachers face in supporting these students. The study concluded that several important challenges for teachers and students exist, including time, language support, and knowledge. The follow-up study was conducted in spring 2013 and it focused on 25 pre-service teachers and twelve Arab families. The overall goal of the follow-up study was to explore the influence of situated learning experiences on pre-service teachers' cultural and linguistic awareness. Data sources included a pre- and post-experience case, pre- and post- KWLS chart, focus groups, a family survey, and student reflections. Data showed that the situated learning experience helped the pre-service teachers develop their cultural knowledge as well as learn about Arab families, Arab culture, and their future classrooms.
TOPICAL NAME USED AS SUBJECT
Bilingual education; English as a Second Language; Educational psychology; Teacher education; Polls & surveys; Student teachers; Arabic language; Cultural factors; Parents & parenting; Second language teachers; Middle school education; Longitudinal studies; English as a second language instruction; Families