Integrating language and literacy through projects: An applied internship experience
Abstract
This study explored the perceptions of teaching interns implementing learning projects with linguistically, culturally, and ability diverse elementary students in mixed-age classes. Thirteen interns enrolled in UTEEM, aftull- time integrated graduate program, engaged in a collaborative experience with their peers in which they implemented a two-week project integrating language and literacy. The study examined the interns' perceptions of (a) the impact of the experience on their ability to implement effective language and literacy learning experiences, (b) the benefits associated with their participation, and (c) the difficulties encountered. Data from their responses revealed that the majority felt that participating in the project enhanced their learning. Many indicated that they were more knowledgeable about children's literature and better able to implement strategies deszgned to develop literacy. Although all interns considered co-teaching to be beneficial, the majority indicated that working collaboratively was the most difficult aspect of the experience.
Reference
Kidd, J. K., Sanchez, S. Y., & Thorp, E. K. (2000). Integrating language and literacy through projects: An applied internship experience. Yearbook of the College Reading Association, 22, 206-225.
Journal
Yearbook of the College Reading Association
Analysis
Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
Geographic Setting
- Virginia
- Washington DC metropolitan area
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
- Culturally, Linguistically, and Ability Diverse Students
- Diversity
- Elementary
Research Location Context
- field-based methods course
Preservice Participants
Preservice Sample Size
13
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- fieldnotes
- open ended questions
- Survey
Data Analysis Tools
- coding (non-specific)
- Descriptive statistics
- Qualitative Analysis
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
Research Questions
(a) What did the interns perceive as the impact of their working collaboratively with their peers to
implement an integrated project on their ability to facilitate effective language
and literacy learning experiences with linguistically, culturally, and ability
diverse students in mixed-age classrooms?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
(b) What did the interns perceive
as the benefits of working collaboratively with their peers to implement an
integrated project?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
(c) What did the interns perceive as the difficulties of
working collaboratively with their peers to implement an integrated project?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes