ITA
Research
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1. ITA Research conducted at Temple University
Deborah Karr (2001). Literacy,
socialization and legitimacy: Teaching assistants and students joining an
academic community of practice in a second language.
School Name: Temple University (0225)
Advisor Name: Ellen Skilton-Sylvester
Number of Pages: 367
Language: ENGLISH
Abstract: Looking through the lens of
the Communities of Practice framework (Wenger, 1998), this qualitative study
focuses on the experiences of three second language (L2) Teaching Assistants
(TAs) teaching ESL sections of freshman composition at a large urban
university. It critically examines the relationship between the literacy
ideologies and practices of the university and those of the L2 TAs, and how
this relationship constrains and/or facilitates their literacy learning and
socialization processes and, in turn, their classroom practices. Based on
interviews, participant observations, and student writing, findings uncover
the complexities of these relationships and demonstrate how they ultimately
influence each TA's L2 students in terms of their ability to learn the
literacy practices of a university writing program and gain legitimate
membership therein.
Findings also demonstrate the importance of
"critical framing" (New London Group, 2000), or reflective dialogue between
community members that addresses issues relative to the positioning of
language minorities within academic communities and thereby challenges the
status quo. As illustrated in this study, without critical framing L2 TAs
and students may forever remain isolated within communities that perpetuate
their marginalization. Results provide evidence for challenging traditional
assumptions of academic literacy and designing learning environments that
better meet the needs of L2 writers en route to becoming legitimate members
within academic communities that embrace “diversity as a valued and
productive resource” (New London Group, 2000).
Subject Code:
Education-Bilingual-and-Multicultural ; Education-Higher;
Education-Teacher-Training
Source:
Volume 64-11A OF DISSERTATION ABSTRACTS
INTERNATIONAL. PAGE 3935
Publications Number/Order Number:
AAI3112286
