The purpose of the study is to increase knowledge about how newly licensedpreschool teachers work with children's literature and how they reflect on thiswork. The study examines what happens to the knowledge acquired duringpreschool teacher education, especially the knowledge that deals withchildren's literature. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used toconduct a total of five interviews with legitimate preschool teachers from fourdifferent preschools. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyze thedata that emerged. The results show that preschool teachers believe that theireducation contained relevant knowledge about how preschool teachers canwork with children's literature. The study shows that preschool teachers viewtheir knowledge of children's literature positively and that their work withchildren's literature permeates the preschool's pedagogical activities. One ofthe conclusions that emerges is that children's literature in preschool is used inseveral different ways and not just as reading aloud at rest. The results alsoshow that newly licensed preschool teachers believe that they have goodconditions for working with children's literature in preschool. The work withchildren's literature is often planned together with the work team and theimportance of the group is emphasized. This is positive for the preschoolteaching profession as it shows how preschool teachers work with children'sliterature. / Syftet med studien är att öka kunskapen om hur nylegitimerade förskollärarearbetar med barnlitteratur samt hur de reflekterar kring detta arbete. Studienundersöker vad som händer med de kunskaper som tillägnas underförskollärarutbildningen, framför allt de kunskaper som handlar ombarnlitteratur. Kvalitativa semistrukturerade intervjuer användes för attgenomföra totalt fem intervjuer med legitimerade förskollärare från fyra olikaförskolor. För att analysera den data som framkom, användes en kvalitativinnehållsanalys. Resultatet visar att förskollärarna anser att deras utbildninginnehöll relevant kunskap om hur förskollärare kan arbeta med barnlitteratur.Det framkommer i studien att förskollärarna ser positivt på sin kunskapgällande barnlitteratur och att deras arbetet med barnlitteratur genomsyrarförskolans pedagogiska verksamhet. En av slutsatserna som framkommer äratt barnlitteratur i förskolan används på flera olika sätt och inte bara somhögläsning vid vilan. Resultaten visar också på att nylegitimerade förskollärareanser att de har goda förutsättningar till att arbeta med barnlitteratur iverksamheten. Arbetet med barnlitteratur planeras ofta tillsammans medarbetslaget och gruppens betydelse betonas. Det här är positivt förförskolläraryrket då det visar på hur förskollärare arbetar med barnlitteratur.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate English second language(ESL) teachers' perceptions about learner self-assessment in the secondary school. The study also examined the factors that might influence the perceptions that teachers hold about self-assessment. The participants of this study were 163 ESL teachers who are teaching at secondary schools in Gauteng Province; they were from 94 randomly selected schools. The data was collected through questionnaires and the response rate was approximately 53%. The literature review was utilized to identify the main perceptions. The studies led to a 57-item teachers' perceptions of learner self-assessment questionnaire based on the following main perceptions: the value of self-assessment in the teaching and learning processes, the use of self-assessment as an alternative assessment technique in English second language learning, the accuracy and reliability of self-assessment and the role of teachers in the effective implementation of self-assessment in their classrooms. The data for the study were analysed using quantitative techniques. the findings for the study showed that teachers have a strong feeling about the value of learner self-assessment; they showed that it helps in the improvement of teaching and learning. The results also indicated that teachers agree that self-assessment should be used in English second language teaching as an alternative form of assessment as it enhances learners' linguistic skills. Teachers perceive that they have an important role to play in ensuring that the implementation of self-assessment becomes successful in their classrooms. However, some have indicated that learners are not objective enough when assessing themselves and therefore the results derived from self-assessment cannot be reliable and accurate. Teachers' perceptions correspond with their classroom self-assessment practice because most of them also indicated that they employ self-assessment to enhance learners' performance. Majority of teachers also indicated that factors such as class size, availability of materials, teacher professional training and development, formal teacher training, years of experience, classroom experience with self-assessment, and time available for self-assessment played a significat role in influencing their perceptions. The conclusions were drawn from the results and the recommendations were made for further research. The limitations of the study were also discussed. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

This systematic literature review investigates peer feedback in EFL education. Findings on practices, effects and teacher- and student perceptions of peer feedback are drawn together and thereby a multifaceted understanding of the phenomenon in EFL-related research is offered. The purpose of the study is to review and systematize previous research in order to enhance the understanding of peer feedback practices, effects and perceptions. Ten articles of practices, effects and perceptions were selected for this systematic literature review. The findings indicate that peer feedback is effective as it contributes to students’ written and oral L2 development. Organized feedback from teachers is more effectful as it gives learners clear instructions of what to focus on. Therefore, the teacher has an important role in peer feedback practices in order to make it as efficient as possible. Teacher- and student perceptions were both positive and negative. Teachers reported learners’ ability to identify errors in peer’s performance as a benefit. Yet, lack of knowledge, incompatibility with the educational system and learners’ low proficiency level were reported motives for not using peer feedback in their EFL classroom. Students perceived peer feedback as useful as it improved their L2 learning. Organized peer feedback was particularly highlighted. Lack of confidence due to limited proficiency level, interpersonal relationships, motivation and time were reported as difficulties in peer feedback practices. Further research in the field of the teacher role in peer feedback is requested.

Increasing numbers of English-language learners (ELLs) with limited literacy skills in middle schools have resulted in a high percentage of long-term English-language learners (LTELLs). The problem of LTELLs, ELLs who have attended school in the United States for more than 6 years and have not met the state ESL exit criteria, is addressed in this study. Cummins' concept of second language acquisition and Vygotsky's zone of proximal development theoretical frameworks were used in this qualitative case study to explore the perceptions of 6 Title I middle school teachers. The purpose of this study was to explore middle school teachers' perceptions of LTELLs and their impact on classroom instruction. The research questions investigated how middle school teachers perceived the limited literacy skills among LTELLs and respectively how middle school teachers perceived the effect of LTELLs on their classroom instruction. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis, and analyzed with descriptive analytical techniques Findings from the data indicated that middle school teachers' misconceptions about LTELLs, a lack of knowledge of LTELL and second language acquisition, and a lack of linguistic support, contributed to the limited literacy skills among LTELLs. The resulting project, a white paper, focused on recommendations for the stakeholders on how to address the issue of limited literacy skills among LTELLs. This study's contribution to social change includes a better understanding of LTELLs and their learning needs, as well as addressing teachers' misconceptions about LTELLs and second language acquisition. The results and recommendations provide suggestions that, if implemented, may improve ELLs' academic achievement and reduce the number of LTELLs.

Walden University College of Education This is to certify that the doctoral study by Joye Elfreda Henry has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Gloria Jacobs, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Jerita Whaley, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Mark Earley, University Reviewer, Education Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018

This systematic literature review investigates translanguaging in ELT.Previous findings on effects, teachers’ perceptions and students’ perceptionsare investigated and reported in this review, as well as systemized in order toenhance the understanding of translanguaging, its use in the ELT classroomand perceptions of the concept. Ten articles from varying countries wereselected for this systematic literature review. The studies included wereconducted using different research methods and with varying approaches tothe term translanguaging. The observed effects of translanguaging weregenerally positive and the findings indicate that translanguaging is beneficialto students’ communicative skills and comprehension, increasingparticipation and confidence, as well as providing additional support forlower proficiency students. However, the findings also show translanguagingto have negligible effects when it comes to the actual language skills of thestudents. Furthermore, both teacher and student perceptions oftranslanguaging presented mixed opinions. While several teachers seetranslanguaging as a resource, many see languages as mutually exclusive andopt not to include the use of any languages other than the target languages.Students are shown to consider their linguistic resources important, but theyare hesitant to use translanguaging out of fear that it will be an obstacle totheir target language learning opportunities. Lacking professional trainingand institutional support for translanguaging is clearly visible in the findingsof both teacher and student perceptions. Further research is necessary inorder to generalize results and obtain findings applicable to ELT in aSwedish upper secondary school context.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to identify existing relationships between the perceptions of novice teachers regarding their teacher preparation programs, the support given to teachers from their schools, and the purpose of school. The study took place in Northeast Tennessee. Seventeen teachers from three different school systems participated in individual qualitative interviews, which lasted about one hour each. The finding corroborated the theory analyzed for this study and revealed areas for improvement in all levels of the education system. Teachers suggested meaningful changes to teacher preparation programs, including changes to general prerequisites and reorganizing education programs around meaningful field experience connected with adequate theory. Teachers suggested school districts to refine some programs they already have in place and improve their support. When prompted about the purpose of school, most teachers found a lack of connection between the expectations of school from state level and the purpose of school. The suggestions given by teachers matched the suggestions given by research regarding what needs to change to achieve the purpose of school.

Student behavior problems in school and classroom settings are of great concern to parents, teachers, and school administrators. These behaviors range from talking out and noncompliance to more serious behaviors such as violence and vandalism. Effectively managing student behavior problems lays the foundation for creating a safe school environment and is a critical concern for all teachers. A school wide positive behavior intervention and support system (PBIS) is an effective and proactive way to prevent misbehavior. All teachers and staff teach and reinforce a specified set of positive behaviors. These positive behaviors are expected of each student. This study analyzed teachers' perceptions of one aspect of a school-wide PBIS, a written praise note system associated with four identified social skills. The participating elementary school served 655 students in 1st through 6th grade. At the request of the school, Kindergarten students and teachers were not included. During the 2012-2013 school year, the number and type of praise notes were analyzed on several levels: (a) all students, (b) students categorized by grade level, and (c) students who received one or more office disciplinary referrals (ODRs). When analyzing the praise notes written by teachers, on average—across the school year—each student received an average of approximately 12 praise notes. During that same time frame, on average, each of the students who received an ODR received 7 praise notes. Based on this data, in comparison to the general student body, students who were identified as exhibiting problematic behaviors tended to receive fewer written praise notes from teachers. Focus groups were conducted with the participating teachers to determine their perceptions of the feasibility and effectiveness of their school's written praise note system, as part of a PBIS system. Overall, teachers perceived the participating school's praise note system as effective in preventing the majority of classroom behavior problems. The majority of teachers expressed their support for both the feasibility and effectiveness of awarding praise notes and reported fitting praise notes in with their daily classroom routines. This research implies that teachers are able to use a written praise notes systems to meet the general behavior needs of most students (Tier 1). However, based on focus group discussions, a few teachers also reported having challenges when attempting to implement the praise notes with fidelity. The majority of teachers identified the need for additional individualized strategies to address the needs of students with more severe behavioral challenges. Implications of this research indicate the need to consider additional options to reinforce desired behaviors of children with more extreme behavioral challenges.

Syftet med studien är att bidra med kunskaper om humor i svenskundervisningen i årskurs 4–6. Frågeställningarna som besvaras är hur lärare ser på humoranvändande i svenskundervisningen, samt deras användande av humor. För att uppnå syftet har semistrukturerade intervjuer använts och de teoretiska utgångspunkterna för arbetet är den sociokulturella teorin, inkongruensteorin samt Shannon och Weavers kommunikationsmodell. Resultatet visar att lärarna ser både möjligheter och utmaningar gällande humoranvändande men att det med en viss fingertoppskänsla kan gynna elevernas lärande och lärmiljö. Det har även visat sig av studien att de intervjuade lärarna använder sig av humor i svenskundervisningen med syfte att skapa ett roligare innehåll och ett tryggare klassrumsklimat. / The purpose of the study is to contribute with knowledge about humor in Swedish education in grades 4−6. The research questions addressed are how teachers view the use of humor in Swedish language teaching, and their potential use of humor. To achieve this purpose, semi−structured interviews were conducted and the theoretical framework for the study are the sociocultural theory, incongruity theory and Shannon and Weaver’s communication model. The results show that teachers see both opportunities and challenges regarding the use of humor, but with a certain level of sensitivity, it can benefit students’ learning and the learning environment. The study also revealed that the interviewed teachers use humor in Swedish teaching with the aim of creating more engaging content and a safer classroom climate.