An evaluation of the utilization of culturally relevant whole language themes with grade six Innu students including a case study profile

Byrne-Turpin, Janet (1993) An evaluation of the utilization of culturally relevant whole language themes with grade six Innu students including a case study profile. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (34MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess, through various informal strategies based primarily on teacher observation, the use of culturally relevant whole language themes with a group of grade six Innu students at Peenamin McKenzie School, Sheshatshit, Labrador. The researcher, as participant observer, used various means to determine the suitability of the use of culturally relevant whole language themes with Innu students. -- The evaluation encompassed progress in both language and affective behaviors. The general focus was placed on gathering information from attending students regarding attitudes and responses exhibited during the execution of one culturally relevant theme. The specific focus was placed on gathering data about the growth of one child during the course of the theme. A case study format was utilized to report the progress of the individual student. -- The research methodology in the study would be classified as naturalistic rather than experimental since "natural" behaviours were observed. The researcher observed, interacted with and analyzed children's actual listening, speaking, reading and writing behaviours. This research orientation is based on the whole language approach to teaching, where teachers are asked to assume the role of researcher in the classroom in order to successfully understand the literacy needs of their students and to determine how whole language strategies meet or fail to meet those needs. -- Recommendations based on the findings of this report, regarding how to better meet the needs of Innu students in language instruction, are included.

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