The mathematics anxiety of bilingual community college students

Math anxiety levels and performance outcomes were compared for bilingual and monolingual community college Intermediate Algebra students attending a culturally diverse urban commuter college. Participants (N = 618, 250 men, 368 women; 361 monolingual, 257 bilingual) completed the Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS) and a demographics instrument. Bilingual and monolingual students reported comparable mean AMAS scores (20.6 and 20.7, respectively) and comparable proportions of math anxious individuals (50% and 48%, respectively). Factor analysis of AMAS scores, using principal component analysis by varimax rotation, yielded similar two-factor structures for both populations -- assessment and learning content -- accounting for 65.6% of the trace for bilingual AMAS scores. Statistically significant predictor variables for levels of math anxiety for the bilingual participants included (a) preparatory course enrollment (β = .236, p = .041) with those enrolled in prior preparatory courses scoring higher, (b) education major (β = .285, p = .018) with education majors scoring higher, and (c) business major (β = .252, p = .032) with business majors scoring higher. One statistically significant predictor variable emerged for monolingual students, gender (β = -.085, p = .001) with females ranking higher. Age, income, race, ethnicity, U.S. origin, science or health science majors did not emerge as statistically significant predictor variables for either group.^ Similarities between monolingual and bilingual participants included statistically significant negative linear correlations between AMAS scores and course grades for both bilingual (r = -.178, p = .017) and monolingual participants (r = -.203, p = .001). Differences included a statistically significant linear correlation between AMAS scores and final exam grades for monolingual participants only (r = -.253, p < .0009) despite no statistically significant difference in the strength the linear relationship of the AMAS scores and the final exam scores between groups, z = 1.35, p = .1756.^ The findings show that bilingual and monolingual students report math anxiety similarly and that math anxiety has similar associations with performance measures, despite differences between predictor variables. One of the first studies on the math anxiety of bilingual community college students, the results suggest recommendations for researchers and practitioners.^

The effect of dual -language instruction on academic achievement as measured by the SAT: An evaluation of the "International Studies Program" of Miami -Dade County Public Schools

This study investigated the influence that receiving instruction in two languages, English and Spanish, had on the performance of students enrolled in the International Studies Program (delayed partial immersion model) of Miami Dade County Public Schools on a standardized test in English, the Stanford Achievement Test, eighth edition, for three of its sections, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Computations, and Mathematics Applications.^ The performance of the selected IS program/Spanish section cohort of students (N = 55) on the SAT Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Computation, and Mathematics Application along four consecutive years was contrasted with that of a control group of comparable students selected within the same feeder pattern where the IS program is implemented (N = 21). The performance of the group was also compared to the cross-sectional achievement patterns of the school's corresponding feeder pattern, region, and district.^ The research model for the study was a variation of the "causal-comparative" or "ex post facto design" sometimes referred to as "prospective". After data were collected from MDCPS, t-tests were performed to compare IS-Spanish students SAT performance for grades 3 to 6 for years 1994 to 1997 to control group, feeder pattern, region and district norms for each year for Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Computation, and Mathematics Applications. Repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's tests were calculated to compare the mean percentiles of the groups under study and the possible interactions of the different variables. All tests were performed at the 5% significance level.^ From the analyses of the tests it was deduced that the IS group performed significantly better than the control group for all the three measures along the four years. The IS group mean percentiles on the three measures were also significantly higher than those of the feeder pattern, region, and district. The null hypotheses were rejected and it was concluded that receiving instruction in two languages did not negatively affect the performance of IS program students on tests taken in English. It was also concluded that the particular design the IS program enhances the general performance of participant students on Standardized tests.^ The quantitative analyses were coupled with interviews from teachers and administrators of the IS program to gain additional insight about different aspects of the implementation of the program at each particular school. ^

Historical analysis of two contemporary issues at the International Community School of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire: Local -hired and overseas -hired teacher relationships. Community perceptions of the U.S. Embassy at ICSA

This study was a qualitative investigation to ascertain and describe two of the current issues at the International Community School of Abidjan, examine their historical bases, and analyze their impact on the school environment.^ Two issues emerged during the inquiry phase of this study: (1) the relationship between local-hired and overseas-hired teachers in light of the January 1994 devaluation which polarized the staff by negating a four-year salary scale that established equity, (2) the school community's wide variance in the perceived power that the U.S. Embassy has on school operations based on its role as ICSA's founding sponsor.^ A multiple studies approach was used in gathering data. An extensive examination of the school's archives was used to reconstruct an historical overview of ICSA. An initial questionnaire was distributed to teachers and administrators at an educational conference to determine the scope of the 1994 devaluation of the West and Central African CFA and its impact on school personnel in West African American-sponsored overseas schools (ASOS). Personal interviews were conducted with the school staff, administration, school board members, and relevant historical participants to determine the principal issues at ICSA at that time. The researcher, an overseas-hired teacher, also used participant observations to collect data. Findings based on these sources were used to analyze the two issues from an historical perspective and to form conclusions.^ Findings in this study pertaining to the events induced by the French and African governments' decision to implement a currency devaluation in January 1994 were presented in ex post-facto chronological narrative form to describe the events which transpired, describe the perception of school personnel involved in these events, examine the final resolution and interpret these events within a historical framework for analysis.^ The topic of the U.S. Embassy and its role at ICSA emerged inductively from open-ended personal interviews conducted over the course of a year. Contradictory perspectives were examined and researched for accuracy and cause. The results of this inquiry presented the U.S. Embassy role at ICSA from a two-sided perspective, examined the historical role of the Embassy, and presented means by which the role and responsibility of the U.S. Embassy could best be communicated to the school community.^ The final chapter provides specific actions for mediation of problems stemming from these issues, implications for administrators and teachers currently involved in overseas schools or considering the possibility, and suggestions for future inquiries.^ Examination of a two-tier salary scale for local-hired and overseas-hired teachers generated the following recommendations: movement towards a single salary scale when feasible, clearly stated personnel policies and full disclosure of benefits, a uniform certification standard, professional development programs and awareness of the impact of this issue on staff morale.^ Divergent perceptions and attitudes toward the role of the U.S. Embassy produced these recommendations: a view towards limiting the number of Americans on ASOS school boards, open school board meetings, selection of Embassy Administrative Officers who can educate school communities on the exact role of the Embassy, educating parents through the outreach activities that communicate American educational philosophy and involve all segments of the international community, and a firm effort on the part of the ASOS to establish the school's autonomy from special interests. ^

Content -area teachers' perceptions of the effect of the meta -training on their instructional practices

The purpose of this study was to explore the content-area teachers' perceptions of the effect that compliance with the teacher training for content-area teachers of Limited English Proficient (LEP) students mandated by the Consent Decree had on their instructional practices within the content-area classroom. In order to provide an overview of the factors which had an effect on the content-area teachers' mandated training, various areas were reviewed: history of legislative actions that led up to the Consent Decree; stipulations set forth in the Consent Decree; Miami-Dade County Public Schools District LEP Plan including stipulations for teacher training; research on teacher training for teachers of language minority students; and the process of change. This descriptive study specifically addresses teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of the mandated teacher training as it relates to language minority students. ^ Content-area teachers who had completed the mandated teacher training were surveyed using self-administered anonymous questionnaires mailed to their school sites. Questions focused on the teachers' perceptions of: students' need of second language instructional strategies within the content-area classroom; teacher training requirements mandated by the Consent Decree; and changes in their instructional practices as a result of the training. ^ Based on the responses of the subjects, the results of this study indicate the overall success of the training implemented to comply with the stipulations set forth in the Consent Decree. In general, the results indicate that the teachers perceive that they are ultimately in agreement with the mandated training. The results also indicate that the teachers perceive a need for second language strategies when working with language minority students. These results can serve as starting point for further research not only into teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of training for teachers of language minority students but also into the outcomes of this teacher training as it is reflected within the classroom. ^

Differential outcomes of two -way and transitional programs on English language learners at different entry levels

This study investigated the effects of two types of bilingual education programs (two-way and transitional) on the academic performance, attitudes, and metacognitive awareness of 5th grade students who entered kindergarten or first grade with different levels of English proficiency. The multi-stage sample consisted of students who had participated in each program for a period of at least five years. A mixed model design allowed for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data that were analyzed accordingly and integrated. ^ The findings indicated no significant differences between the two groups on measures of academic achievement in English. Significant differences were found in the number of semesters required for the students to become proficient English speakers. An important conclusion, based on these findings, was that the students enrolled in the two-way bilingual education (TWBE) programs learned English faster. Moreover, they maintained a high level of proficiency in Spanish, scoring significantly higher than the transitional bilingual education group on measures of Spanish reading ability.^ Questionnaire and interview data indicated that the students in the two-way bilingual education programs tended to use more Spanish for recreational purposes and tended to rate themselves as more proficient Spanish speakers than their peers. Conversely, the students enrolled in the transitional bilingual education programs tended to rate themselves as more proficient in English than their peers. ^ The level of English language proficiency upon entering school (five years later) was found to make a difference in academic achievement, as measured by standardized tests. Five years of schooling did not fully eliminate the gap in academic performance between students with different ESOL entry levels at kindergarten. However, entry level did not have an effect on attitudes towards bilingualism. ^ It is concluded that, although there was no significant difference between the two groups on measures of academic achievement in English, TWBE and transitional programs have differential effects. Students in the TWBE programs acquired oral language at a faster rate, developed literacy skills in their native language, and acquired more positive attitudes towards bilingualism. Theoretical, methodological, and policy implications of the findings are discussed. ^

Variables affecting government debt: A comparison of certificates of participation, tax -exempt revenue bonds and tax -exempt general obligation bonds

This dissertation analyzed and compared variables affecting interest rate and yield of certificates of participation, tax-exempt revenue bonds and tax-exempt general obligation bonds. The study employed qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. ^ Qualitative research methods included surveys, interviews and focus groups. The survey solicited debt load information from 67 Florida school districts (21 responded) and addressed the question which districts used certificates of participation and why. Eight individuals with experience dealing with all three debt instruments were interviewed. A follow-up focus group of six school district financial officers gathered additional data. Results from the qualitative methods revealed school districts used certificates of participation based on millage authority amount available relative to overall tax base. Also identified was the belief of a significant difference in certificates of participation costs and the other two debt instrument types. ^ The study's quantitative methods analyzed 1998 and 1999 initial issues of Moody's AAA rated certificates of participation, tax-exempt revenue bonds and tax-exempt general obligation bonds. Through an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), the study examined interest rates and yields while controlling for the covariates of credit enhancement, issue size, and maturity date. The analysis identified no significant difference between interest rates of certificates of participation and tax-exempt general obligation bonds (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between interest rates of tax-exempt revenue bonds and tax-exempt general obligation bonds. This study discerned no significant difference between yield on certificates of participation and tax-exempt general obligation bonds. It identified a difference in yield between both certificates of participation and tax-exempt general obligation bonds compared with tax-exempt revenue bonds. ^ The study found COPs to have lesser overall costs than RV bonds. COPs also have a quicker entry into the market resulting in construction cost savings. The study found policy implications such as investment portfolio limitations and public choice issues about using COPs as a mechanism to grow government. ^

Iowa Department of Public Health Office of Minority and Multicultural Health Strategic Plan 2012 to 2017, February 19, 2013

The Iowa Department of Public Health's Office of Multicultural Health invited 21 representatives, key informants throughout the State of Iowa and five state personnel to help chart a strategic map for the OMH staff and it constituents to travel during the next 3-5 years, as the office strengthens its infrastructure and continues to meet its mission. This two day strategic planning session brought forth the consensus of maintaining the four major function areas held within the 2007 to 2011 strategic plan. Those four areas are: education, advocacy, data and training and development. 2

Towards an ethic of cultural harmonization : translating history textbooks in the province of Québec

Confronté à un projet de traduction de manuels d’histoire du français à l’anglais, destinés aux écoles publiques anglophones au Québec, Michael Varga définit une méthode qui ne s’appuie pas sur les théories de traduction classiques reliées aux structures binaires, mais qui s’inspire plutôt du modèle de la narratologie (narrative theory) prôné par Mona Baker. Varga reconnaît la légitimité d’une pluralité de narrations en compétition entre elles qui se manifestent parmi les différents groupes socioculturels faisant partie d’une même société (le Québec). Il identifie des passages en provenance du texte d’origine qui mettent en relief des conflits reliés à l’accommodation culturelle. Il traite la façon dont ces conflits échouent à communiquer adéquatement des réalités culturelles appropriées, lesquelles seront en concert avec les normes et valeurs propres à la société québécoise. Il propose des traductions, apte au domaine pédagogique, qui désamorceront ces conflits et les accommoderont tout en respectant la pluralité des réalités culturelles en évidence dans la société québécoise.

Difficultés d’ordre grammatical rencontrées chez les immigrants adultes allophones dans l’apprentissage du français langue seconde

La présente étude vise à identifier et classer les difficultés d’ordre grammatical rencontrées chez les immigrants adultes allophones dans l’apprentissage du français langue seconde. Nous avons d’une part analysé les examens finaux de 98 apprenants inscrits dans les cours de francisation à l’Université de Montréal afin de décrire leurs erreurs grammaticales fréquentes commises. Nous avons décrit les erreurs grammaticales fréquentes produites par les apprenants de chaque niveau de francisation d’une manière précise afin que les apprenants puissent bien éviter l’usage de formes erronées et bien développer des compétences linguistiques en français langue seconde. D’autre part, nous avons collecté les opinions personnelles de cinq professeurs principaux de francisation à l’égard de l’importance de l’enseignement de la grammaire dans les cours de langue seconde, du traitement des erreurs grammaticales, et de la persistance des erreurs à travers différents niveaux, etc. En précisant les points grammaticaux à apprendre de chaque niveau de francisation et en fusionnant les résultats des apprenants et des professeurs, nous pouvons offrir aux apprenants adultes allophones des tableaux simples des points grammaticaux et des erreurs grammaticales correspondantes de chaque niveau. Ces derniers pourraient les exploiter pour favoriser la maîtrise du français langue seconde ainsi leur intégration à la société québécoise.

Effets de l’enseignement réciproque sur la compréhension en lecture d’élèves allophones immigrants nouvellement arrivés en situation de grand retard scolaire au secondaire

Le présent mémoire expose les effets de l’enseignement réciproque sur la compréhension en lecture en français langue seconde d’élèves allophones immigrants nouvellement arrivés en situation de grand retard scolaire, scolarisés dans des classes d’accueil au secondaire. Deux groupes expérimentaux et un groupe contrôle ont pris part à la recherche. Deux modèles d’intervention en enseignement réciproque ont été proposés aux groupes expérimentaux, soit une intervention traditionnelle ou une intervention qui favorise l’ouverture aux langues maternelles. Un questionnaire administré en grand groupe ainsi que des entretiens individuels menés auprès de 11 élèves sous forme d’études de cas ont permis de mesurer les effets des interventions et de présenter des portraits de lecteurs. Les résultats au questionnaire valident que les interventions ont eu des effets significatifs sur la compréhension en lecture des élèves des groupes expérimentaux comparativement aux élèves du groupe contrôle. De plus, les 11 études de cas vont dans le même sens et révèlent que les élèves des groupes expérimentaux, au post-test, se sont améliorés dans la mise en place des stratégies cognitives et métacognitives. Finalement, lorsque les deux groupes expérimentaux sont comparés entre eux, les deux présentent des gains significatifs sur le plan de la compréhension en lecture. Cependant, le groupe ayant participé à des interventions avec une ouverture aux langues maternelles présente des changements de perceptions plus positifs et explicites à l’égard de la relation, en lecture, entre les langues.

L’expérience socioscolaire d’élèves montréalais originaires de l’Asie du Sud : dynamiques familiales, communautaires et systémiques

La recherche explore les dynamiques influençant la réussite scolaire des élèves montréalais originaires de l’Asie du Sud (Inde, Pakistan, Sri Lanka et Bangladesh) à l’école secondaire publique de langue française. En effet, au Québec, à cet ordre d’enseignement, parmi tous les élèves immigrants de différentes origines ethniques, ces élèves présentent le plus fort taux de décrochage et ce, même si l’on tient compte de leur départ élevé de la province avant l’âge de 15 ans et de leur fréquentation importante du secteur de l’éducation des adultes. Cette recherche vise, d’une part, à fournir une meilleure connaissance des dynamiques familiales, communautaires et scolaires qui influencent l’expérience socioscolaire et plus particulièrement, la réussite scolaire de ces élèves et, d’autre part, à identifier les moyens les plus appropriés et les plus efficaces pour amoindrir leurs difficultés. Les données ont été recueillies par le biais d’une méthode mixte, consistant en des entretiens approfondis auprès d’élèves d’origine sud-asiatique et de différents acteurs du paradigme éducatif (les parents, les intervenants scolaires et communautaires), et en un questionnaire anonyme adressé exclusivement aux parents sud-asiatiques. Les données ont été analysées selon un cadre où l’élève d’origine immigrée réussit plus ou moins à l’école sous l’influence de cinq types de facteurs : socioéconomiques, linguistiques, culturels, sociostructurels et systémiques. Les résultats de la recherche soulignent le rôle de l’élève comme acteur de sa réussite, tout en insistant sur l’impact des différents milieux qu’il fréquente. La famille est particulièrement interpellée quant à son projet migratoire, ses valeurs et ses pratiques, ainsi que ses ressources linguistiques, socioéconomiques et relationnelles. La communauté ethnique est aussi interpellée quant à son niveau de complétude institutionnelle. La recherche souligne également l’influence du système scolaire quant à ses politiques, programmes et encadrements éducatifs, mais aussi quant aux pratiques et dynamiques au sein de l’école. L’impact du contexte d’accueil et d’intégration des nouveaux arrivants et du climat des relations interethniques au sein de la société d’accueil sont également mis en relief. « Ça prend tout un village pour éduquer un enfant »! Plus précisément, selon les résultats de notre recherche, les défis des parents sud-asiatiques face à l’insertion au marché de l’emploi, leur méconnaissance du français et le fait que certaines valeurs sud-asiatiques soient parfois en contradiction avec les valeurs québécoises sont les principales dynamiques familiales qui nuisent à la réussite scolaire des élèves d’origine sud-asiatique à l’école québécoise de langue française. En ce qui concerne les dynamiques communautaires, la faiblesse institutionnelle de la communauté sud-asiatique et le petit nombre d’organismes à vocation scolaire ont également un impact important à cet égard. De plus, le classement problématique des élèves à leur arrivée dans le système scolaire québécois, les relations presque inexistantes entre l’école et les parents ainsi que certaines pratiques inadaptées à la réalité des élèves (liées aux services d’accueil et d’orientation) sont les principales dynamiques systémiques qui défavorisent l’intégration socioscolaire des élèves d’origine sud-asiatique, mais aussi celle de l’ensemble des élèves issus de l’immigration.

Représentations d’enseignants quant à l’intégration linguistique, socioscolaire, scolaire et sociale d’élèves allophones immigrants dans trois écoles secondaires montréalaises

Ce mémoire présente une analyse des représentations de dix-sept enseignants quant à l’intégration linguistique, socioscolaire, scolaire et sociale d’élèves allophones immigrants dans trois écoles secondaires pluriethniques de la région de Montréal. Cette étude a eu lieu dans le cadre d’un projet visant à décrire les modèles de services destinés aux élèves allophones immigrants à travers les perceptions d’acteurs scolaires québécois (De Koninck, Z. et F. Armand, 2012). Les représentations de huit enseignants de classes d’accueil et celles de neuf enseignants de classes ordinaires ont été dégagées à partir d’une analyse thématique de leur discours recueilli au moyen de six entrevues de groupe. Le questionnaire d’entrevue a mené les enseignants à dresser des bilans de l’intégration d’élèves allophones immigrants et à porter un regard sur leurs rôles. L’interprétation des résultats a permis de situer les représentations de l’intégration des enseignants sur un continuum d’acculturation. Les résultats révèlent que les enseignants de classes d’accueil ont généralement mis l’accent sur le bien-être affectif de leurs élèves et sur l’enseignement du français langue seconde, alors que les enseignants de classes ordinaires ont souvent rapporté traiter tous leurs élèves de manière égale. Par contre, des préoccupations en lien avec la place de la langue française au Québec ont mené plusieurs enseignants à justifier des dynamiques de ségrégation et à se représenter la langue maternelle et le milieu familial des élèves allophones immigrants comme des obstacles à l’intégration. Lorsqu’on les situe sur un continuum d’acculturation, les représentations de l’intégration de certains enseignants tendent vers le modèle interculturel, alors que celles d’autres enseignants se rapprochent de l’assimilation.

Effets de l’écriture de textes identitaires, soutenue par des ateliers d’expression théâtrale plurilingues, sur le rapport à l’écrit d’élèves immigrants allophones en situation de grand retard scolaire

Le présent mémoire expose les effets de pratiques d’écriture de textes identitaires plurilingues, soutenues par des ateliers d’expression théâtrale plurilingues, sur le rapport à l’écrit d’élèves immigrants allophones nouvellement arrivés en situation de grand retard scolaire au secondaire, et ce, tout au long d’une recherche-action visant le développement de l’écriture. Puis, ces effets sont comparés avec ceux de pratiques traditionnelles d’enseignement de l’écriture. Un groupe expérimental et un groupe contrôle ont participé à cette étude de cas multiples. Des observations participantes et des entretiens individuels semi-dirigés ont permis de dresser le portrait du rapport à l’écrit des huit élèves participant à notre recherche. Dans ce rapport à l’écrit est considéré l’engagement dans la littératie des élèves, un concept clé à prendre en compte en didactique des langues secondes. Nous proposons ainsi l’étude d’une nouvelle notion : le rapport à l’écrit teinté du concept d’engagement (RÉ+). Les résultats de ce mémoire confirment la pertinence de l’approche novatrice mise en place, qui agit sur les quatre dimensions du RÉ+ (affective, praxéologique, conceptuelle et axiologique). Elle permet notamment aux élèves d’associer l’écriture à des sentiments positifs et les amène à poser un regard réflexif sur la langue associé au développement d’habiletés métacognitives. De tels effets sont différents de ceux de pratiques traditionnelles d’enseignement de l’écriture, qui ne paraissent pas en mesure d’engager pleinement, affectivement et cognitivement, les élèves dans les tâches d’écriture.

Projeto Açai: uma contribuição à formação dos professores indígenas no estado de Rondônia

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

The impact of increased writing time allotment on the developmental writing skills of intermediate elementary school students

The purpose of this study is to determine which of several treatment groups and/or grades have shown growth when increased writing time allotment has occurred. Third, fourth and fifth grade students identified as Gifted, Learning Disabled, and Limited English Proficient enrolled in ESOL classes were the 69 subjects.^ All students were allotted at least one hour of writing time, four days a week for the school year of 1994-1995. Writing activities conducted during the school year involved the full writing process, including prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Pretests and posttests were administered across the grade levels at a designated period of time using the same administration procedures as the Florida Writing Assessment Program. Three teachers rated each sample on a scale of zero to three.^ The results of the oneway ANOVA indicated that the three raters did not score the pretests and posttests significantly different from each other. A single group pretest-posttest experimental design was used on the three groups. The results of the Gifted group revealed that the Gifted C subgroup (Gifted Behavioral) appeared to have averaged a higher gain score than both the Gifted A and Gifted B subgroups. For the four subgroups of the LD group, no distinct pattern was evident. The Group C subgroup (ADD) appeared to have scored lower than the other three subgroup although their mean IQ score was higher than the others LD subgroups. Comparisons were difficult to make among the four ESOL subgroups due to low subjects and/or scores. Qualitative analyses were also conducted using semi-structured interviews with the Gifted, Learning Disabled, and ESOL teachers. All believed the additional instructional time spent on writing made the difference in the increased writing scores.^ The study indicated that time alone is not a significant factor in developing accomplished writers. Direct instruction perhaps in a specific strategy or skill may lead to significant results. ^