Term

Spring 5-12-2016

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAESL

Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair

Jen Ouellette-Schramm

Secondary Advisor/Reader One

Bonnie Swierzbin

Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two

Jillian Magnusson

Abstract

Speaking and pronunciation confidence can aid a student’s ability to participate and learn in the classroom. This study investigated middle school English as a Second Language (ESL) students’ perceptions of their speaking and pronunciation confidence in relationship to their overall and speaking English proficiency levels. Although there are many adults and some teenagers who confess to the desire for more confidence in their speaking and pronunciation, there is little to no information about middle school students in this regard. The data collected for this research was through a two part survey, which included statements for students to rate their opinions, and several open-ended questions. The survey was given to students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, at a variety of English proficiency levels. Results indicated there were high levels of confidence in specific groups. Furthermore, the open-ended responses showed students wanting the support of the classroom community in order to speak confidently.

Research Methodology

Survey

Keywords

Community Building, ESL/ ELLs

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