Abstract
Research has shown that there is a major vocabulary gap between English Learners and non-English Learners. Several studies indicate math vocabulary to be an area of big concern. There are various strategies to help English Learners with this frustrating task. This action research project focuses on the use of a vocabulary strategy, using the Frayer Model, a graphic organizer, to help English Learners use and understand math vocabulary. The participants for this study are three third grade English Learners from a rural school in Southwest Georgia. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods will be used in the study. The three English Learners will be provided with five weeks of intensive math vocabulary study using the Frayer …show more content…
During the timeframe of this action research project, quantitative and qualitative data will be collected. The instruments used will include a pre and post vocabulary knowledge checklist, a pre and post math vocabulary test and a daily journal entry. This action research project could improve students’ math vocabulary understanding and the use of academic language. This action research project investigates the question: How does using the Frayer Model effect the improvement of math vocabulary for third grade EL students?
Introduction
English language learners struggle with content literacy. The frustration my English Language learners have with academic vocabulary led to my action research project. Vocabulary is an obvious area in which to focus my research because it emphasizes teaching the meanings of words and their elements. I chose math vocabulary because it seems to be the most difficult for them. There is so much more to math than just numbers. Most students tend to think that studying vocabulary is meant for other subjects, like reading and English. The Georgia Milestones Math …show more content…
There will be three themes that will resonate throughout this paper. The overarching theme is how EL students often struggle with academic vocabulary. The EL, as a student in a mainstreamed classroom, often has difficulty with the academic demands of content literacy and vocabulary. The second theme of this research is the difficulties of math vocabulary, as many English words have multiple meanings and are just not used in daily conversations. Finally, the third theme is researching strategies on how to help improve the math vocabulary of the ELs. The Frayer model graphic organizer speaks to the visual learner style of most ELs and allows for the students to make connections. Using an interactive journal, ELs will have the opportunity to express how he/she feels about math and the content specific nature of vocabulary while giving them a chance to develop their content specific academic
Research has shown that there is a major vocabulary gap between English Learners and non-English Learners. Several studies indicate math vocabulary to be an area of big concern. There are various strategies to help English Learners with this frustrating task. This action research project focuses on the use of a vocabulary strategy, using the Frayer Model, a graphic organizer, to help English Learners use and understand math vocabulary. The participants for this study are three third grade English Learners from a rural school in Southwest Georgia. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods will be used in the study. The three English Learners will be provided with five weeks of intensive math vocabulary study using the Frayer …show more content…
During the timeframe of this action research project, quantitative and qualitative data will be collected. The instruments used will include a pre and post vocabulary knowledge checklist, a pre and post math vocabulary test and a daily journal entry. This action research project could improve students’ math vocabulary understanding and the use of academic language. This action research project investigates the question: How does using the Frayer Model effect the improvement of math vocabulary for third grade EL students?
Introduction
English language learners struggle with content literacy. The frustration my English Language learners have with academic vocabulary led to my action research project. Vocabulary is an obvious area in which to focus my research because it emphasizes teaching the meanings of words and their elements. I chose math vocabulary because it seems to be the most difficult for them. There is so much more to math than just numbers. Most students tend to think that studying vocabulary is meant for other subjects, like reading and English. The Georgia Milestones Math …show more content…
There will be three themes that will resonate throughout this paper. The overarching theme is how EL students often struggle with academic vocabulary. The EL, as a student in a mainstreamed classroom, often has difficulty with the academic demands of content literacy and vocabulary. The second theme of this research is the difficulties of math vocabulary, as many English words have multiple meanings and are just not used in daily conversations. Finally, the third theme is researching strategies on how to help improve the math vocabulary of the ELs. The Frayer model graphic organizer speaks to the visual learner style of most ELs and allows for the students to make connections. Using an interactive journal, ELs will have the opportunity to express how he/she feels about math and the content specific nature of vocabulary while giving them a chance to develop their content specific academic