SPETSES, GREECE
4-8 July 2001
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Associate Professor, Department of Reading and Language Arts, Central Connecticut State University, USA
Associate Professor, Department of Reading and Language Arts, Central Connecticut State University, USA
Abstract
This paper will demonstrate the potential of combining a form
of qualitative text analysis with computer-based text analysis
in order to mediate between focused qualitative studies and quantitative
test-score result.
The study focuses on an investigation of reader response (via
electronic exchanges) to multicultural literature by preservice
and inservice teachers enrolled in a graduate level children's
literature course at two separate universities in the U.S., and
how these responses impact their selection and use of multicultural
literature in the classroom. Both qualitative content analysis
and quantitative computer-based analysis were used in analyzing
the data.
The paper will describe the qualitative and quantitative processes
involved in the discourse analysis. Qualitative content analysis
will identify common textual patterns across dyad conversations,
and reveal sociocultural values, beliefs, biases and/or prejudices
that may have influenced a reader's aesthetic or efferent stance
in response to multicultural literature. The quantitative computer-based
text analysis will identify the semantic characteristics (Activity,
Optimism, Certainty, Realism, and Commonality) in the participants'
discourse, and how these reflect their stance toward a given
topic as well as the levels of negotiated discourse.
Bionotes
Dr. Helen R. Abadiano is an associate professor in the Department of Reading and Language Arts, School of Education and Professional Studies at Central Connecticut State University. She is an applied linguist with research interests focused on culture, literacy, and language learning by ethnolinguistic cultural groups. Her recent research studies focus on technology and literacy. She received her doctorate in language, literacy and culture with a concentration in reading and language arts from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Catherine Kurkjian is an associate professor in the Department of Reading and Language Arts, School of Education and Professional Studies at Central Connecticut State University. She earned her doctorate in reading from the University of Northern Colorado. Her research focuses on the intersection of literacy and technology.
Presentation Type
30 min. paper
Presentation Equipment and Other Requests
Speaking Date/Time Restrictions
Country
USA