Running head: M5 RESERCH DESIGN

M5 Research Design Critique Report

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Kristin McCloskey

M5 RESEARCH DESIGN

M5 Research Design Critique Report

Qualitative research gathers information about groups in social settings. This type
of research is used to understand of essential reasons, opinions, and motivations of a
group to be studied. Within this field of research there are different types of research,
such as narrative, ethnographic, and case study. Each type of research has its advantages
and disadvantages.
First, in narrative research a person shares their stories of their experiences in life.
The stories can be told through autobiography, journals, letters, field notes, conversations,
and interviews. A few of the advantages of using narrative research include the increase
of emphasis placed on teacher reflections, teacher research, and teacher knowledge, A
few of the disadvantages of using this type of research would be the time it takes to
collect the stories, is the correct story being told, and the researcher must let go of
control. An example scenario of narrative research in education would be the following:
A teachers account on how technology has changed her classroom instruction over the
past 15yrs teaching in an urban district.
Second, ethnographic research is the study of cultures through observation of
patterns, readings, and interpretation done through in the field research. The major
advantage of using this type of research is that the researcher is able to gain an in-depth
understanding of the people and the organization because they are there for an extend
amount of time to see the inner workings. The major disadvantages of this type of
research is the amount of time and the lack of breadth of the research. The researcher
only focuses on one group. An example scenario of ethnographic research in education

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would be: Repeating the cycle of teenage pregnancy: An ethnographic study of a

pregnant Hispanic high school student.
Finally, case study research is an approach that researchers use to focus on upclose and in-depth research on a single subject. The advantages of case study research is
that it resonates with the readers experiences because it is tangible and informative,
opportunity for innovation, and to study the phenomena. A few disadvantages of case
studies are that it may hard to generalize from a single case, possible biases in data
collection, and hard to draw a definite cause/effect from a case study. An example
scenario of a case study in education would be: A case study of managing freshman
behavior using positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS).
First Article Summary
In the study by Hersi and Watkinson (2012), the authors study the experiences of
six immigrants that were enrolled in a U.S. high school specifically designed for new
comer students. The case study uses qualitative research to explore the students
experiences and perceptions of their teachers. The teachers that were selected for this
case study were perceived as supportive to the new comer students. The teachers were
also included in the study through observations and interviews of their teaching practices.
Summation of Research Literature
The researchers studied the theoretical perspectives of ethic of caring and
culturally and linguistically responsive practices so that they would be able to explore the
students experiences and the teachers practices. Teachers who have a commitment to the
students will naturally tend to the needs of the students both academically and socially.

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This commitment is the ethic of caring. Students recognize these qualities in a teacher,
and feel that the teachers care for them. These teachers will create a safe and caring
environment that will include high expectations, rigorous demand, and support. In turn
this fosters a commitment and academic success from the students. It through these
relationships that are developed that teachers gain an understanding of the students
cultural background, so that curriculum can be connected.
Teachers that have the ethic of caring are more likely to develop culturally and
linguistically responsive practices. Teachers that are able to recognize the backgrounds
of the students and their potential are likely to develop a curriculum that is both
challenging and responsive to the needs of the students. Building off of the backgrounds
of the students will develop a supportive classroom environment that will foster academic
success of the students. Including the community, school, culture, and family has proven
to be successful with the college attendance rate.
Method for Collecting and Analyzing Data
This research in this study is based off of a qualitative case study that required
field work three to four days a week. Data was collected during the 2005-2006 school
year, for a duration of six months. The school that was used was a high school that
opened in 2003 for the districts English language learners. It was modeled after a
newcomer high school in New York City. The student population of the high school was
extremely diverse with students from over 48 different countries, and 25 different
languages. Selected for the study were six immigrants students who were academically
successful and three of their teachers.

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The authors used an in-depth multiple case study research design that allowed
insight into the educational experiences of the participants and their teachers. Data
sources included several semi-structured interviews and observations. The collection of
data focused on events inside and outside the classroom, including interviews and
observations of the teachers. Analysis also occurred through the emergent and iterative
process that involved several readings of the case data, organizing codes, and themes.
Results and Conclusions
The results of this study supported the theoretical perspectives of ethic of caring
and culturally linguistically responsive practices. Not only were the teachers supportive,
but the mission of the school also supported the students. Students that attend this school
had smaller class sizes and teachers with experiences. The school also offered resources
such as tutoring programs, summer programs, and internships. Along with the tangible
resources, emotional support was also provided by the teachers and staff at the high
school.
The study recognized the importance of the interactions between students and
teachers. With both the school and the teachers positive interactions contributed to the
success of the immigrant students. It is the fundamental beliefs of the teachers that
helped foster the success of the students.

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6
Second Article Summary

Purpose of Study
The purpose of this study by Kim & Garcia (2014) was to study the perceptions
and experiences of 13 long-term English language learners. The researchers studied the
participants school history, including program placements. Included in the study were
special education referrals and academic outcomes. Research and data were collected
using a ground theory design, which is a qualitative approach in research design. The
primary research question throughout this study was about the perceptions of the
adolescent long-term English language learner about their language and academic
learning experiences that they had during their schooling years.
Summation of Research Literature
There has been little research conducted on the issues with this particular group of
learners, the long-term adolescent English language learners. Due to the lack of research
this group of learners are experiencing high drop-out rates, low engagement, high
retention, and wrong referrals to the special education program. Many schools have been
commented on by the placement of the ELLs. Suggested that many have been wrongly
placed in the system.
Research that is available shows that there has been a sharp increase of placement
of the English language learners in a special education program, especially in secondary
school. There has also been a decrease in language support services as they move up in
secondary schools. More attention is given to these students in early elementary years in
their native language than in the later years such as in 4th and 5th grade. Data has also

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show that English language learners are reported to special education services 2 to 3
years later due to their English language fluency.
Method for Collecting and Analyzing Data
This study used qualitative research to collect and analyzed data. Information
was collected from the 2012-2013 school year. Data was collected from the participants
using the following types of interviews: individual, semi-structures, and in-depth
interviews with a duration on average of 40 minutes for each. All participants had a
choice of what language they wanted to be interviewed in, and all choose English.
The participants were asked about their family background, recalling their
language development, and academic experiences. Students were asked to recall about
the different types of instruction that they received and any academic support that thy
recalled. Researchers also studied complete profiles of each participant that included the
following: language assessment scores, longitudinal history, course schedules,
ESL/Bilingual history, LPAC folders, and placements in special programs. All
information collected helped develop the survey questions. Data was divided in
categories, which than themes developed. Triangulation from all participants helped to
develop the accuracy of their recollections and data.
Results and Conclusions
The results of this study indicated that all participants had a positive but
challenging school experiences. The language programs and services did prove to be
beneficial for the students. However, most did find it to be a challenge to learn without
knowing the language of instruction. All reported that at certain time in their education

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there was all of a sudden a drastic change in the services that they received. An example
would be going from a bilingual classroom to no support. Finally participants all reported
that their class schedules at the high school level seemed to be less rigorous, especially in
the core classes.
A conclusion from this study according to Kim and Garcia (2014), indicate that
student that remained labeled as an English language-learner for a long period of time
should have their records examined frequently. The major educational need that should
be addressed is how to create a learning environment that promotes academic success and
the language needs of the English language learner.
References
Hersi, A. A., & Watkinson, J. S. (2012). Supporting Immigrant Students in a Newcomer
High School: A Case Study. Bilingual Research Journal, 35(1), 98-111.
Kim, W. G., & Garca, S. B. (2014). Long-Term English Language Learners' Perceptions
of Their Language and Academic Learning Experiences. Remedial and Special
Education, 35(5), 300-312.
EDAD 595 Module (3, 4, 5) Grading Rubric
CLAQWA (modified), Flateby & Metzger - University of South Florida
Point
s

Assignment Requirements

Addresses and develops each aspect of the assignment and goes beyond the
assignment prompt to address additional related material.

Addresses each aspect of the assignment.

Addresses the appropriate topic and partially fulfills assignment requirements.

Addresses the appropriate topic, but omits most or all of the assignment requirements.

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1

Off topic or vaguely addresses the topic.

Quality of Details

Provides details that help develop each element of the text and provide supporting
statements, evidence or examples necessary to explain or persuade effectively.

Provides details that support the elements of the text with sufficient clarity, depth and
accuracy.

Provides details that are related to the elements of the text, but do not support those
elements with sufficient clarity, depth or accuracy.

Provides details that are loosely related to the elements of the text, but are lacking
clarity, depth and accuracy.

Provides details that do not develop the elements of the text.

Quantity of Details

All points are supported by a sufficient number of details.

All points are developed, but some may need additional details.

Additional details are needed to develop some points.

Additional details are needed to develop most points.

Virtually no details are present.

Grammar and Mechanics

Sentences are grammatically and mechanically correct.

Rare grammatical and mechanical errors exist, but do not affect readability.

A limited variety of grammatical errors exist.

A variety of grammatical errors appear throughout the text possibly affecting readability.

Most sentences exhibit multiple grammatical and mechanical errors, obstructing

meaning.
Earned Point Total:

/20