Academic Vocabulary Instruction and Socio-Scientific Issue Discussion in Urban Sixth-Grade Science Classrooms

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Academic Vocabulary Instruction and Socio-Scientific Issue Discussion in Urban Sixth-Grade Science Classrooms
Language: English
Authors: Relyea, Jackie Eunjung, Zhang, Jie, Wong, Sissy S., Samuelson, Courtney, Wui, Ma. Glenda Lopez
Source: Journal of Educational Research. 2022 115(1):37-50.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 6
Intermediate Grades
Middle Schools
Junior High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Academic Language, Vocabulary Development, Science and Society, Grade 6, Urban Schools, Science Education, Middle School Students, Bilingual Students, Interdisciplinary Approach, Intervention
DOI: 10.1080/00220671.2021.2022584
ISSN: 0022-0671
Abstract: Given the growing evidence of academic language demands embodied in science practices, this study aimed to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a literacy-science integrated program that emphasized the incorporation of academic vocabulary instruction and collaborative discussion of a socio-scientific issue in sixth-grade science classrooms in an urban school. The treatment students (n = 73) who participated in the intervention had significantly higher academic vocabulary knowledge and scientific argumentation posttest scores than the control students (n = 62). The effect on academic vocabulary knowledge was particularly greater for bilingual students than their monolingual peers. Mediation analyses revealed that the intervention effects on science content knowledge and scientific argumentation were mediated by academic vocabulary knowledge. Findings indicate that science teachers' instructional scaffolding for academic vocabulary and authentic discourse can not only improve students' academic vocabulary knowledge but also indirectly affect science content knowledge and scientific argumentation via academic vocabulary knowledge.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1331502
Database: ERIC
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Be the first to leave a comment!
You must be logged in first