Term
2006
Capstone
Restricted Access Thesis
Degree Name
MAESL
Abstract
Workplace ESL instruction tends to emphasize the listening and speaking skills of immediate need for performing most entry-level jobs. However, reading and writing should also be practiced throughout the curriculum to best prepare learners who aspire to move beyond an entry-level status at work. This study sought to provide evidence for dialogue journaling, a conversation-like reading and writing practice, as a technique for improving the speaking and listening skills of workplace ESL learners. The research method involved adapting traditional dialogue journaling by introducing focused topics specific to workplace ESL competencies into each journal entry. Speaking pre- and post-tests showed that, while all participants improved their speaking skills overall, higher level students who participated in focused topic dialogue journaling improved more on the focused topic questions than did those in the control group. Learners in the focused topic group also showed more improvement on reading tests in those areas.
Recommended Citation
Nordeen, Nancy Bjorn, "Focused topic dialogue journaling in ESL workplace instruction" (2006). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 323.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/323