Exploring English Literacy Development in a Multilingual and Multicultural Elementary School: Debate Club as an Academic Outlet for Language Development

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jeremy J. Kirby (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Jamie Schissel

Abstract: From January-March 2018 I investigated the possible influences that a debate club could have on the English literacy language development of 5th grade students in a culturally and linguistically diverse school setting. The lessons on debate forums served as an extra-enrichment activity for students that was ungraded. The goal was to create a classroom environment that supported learning through dialogue. To accomplish this, I worked to gain deep understandings of the lived experiences of students. Using a critical ethnographic case study approach, I worked closely with two focal participants, who will be pseudonymously referred to as Raphael and Camila. Both of whom are classified as English Learners (ELs) or students who classified as not fluent in the four modalities of English. I share their progress or changes that may have occurred in their language development throughout the entire process.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
EL, English Learner, English Language Learner, ELL, Debate Club, Elementary, Translanguaging, Linguistics, Culture, Language Development, Affective Filter

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