Doctoral Thesis
Using Digital Storytelling in English as an Additional Language or Dialect Pedagogy: An Approach to Support Multiliteracies in Migrant and Refugee Education
Professional Doctorate, Murdoch University
2023
Abstract
The research explored the potential of using digital storytelling to promote multiliteracy skills amongst learners of English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) in the context of migrant and refugee education in Australia. Digital storytelling was integrated into the teaching of English, HASS and Science with classes at different stages of English language learning. This empirical study was conducted at an Intensive English Centre (IEC) catering for students in the year levels 7-12 in a government high school in Western Australia. Fifty EAL/D students and three teachers from the IEC participated in this study. This qualitative research employed an exploratory case study approach with thematic and Multimodal Content Analysis of student-created digital stories, teacher interviews, and classroom observations. Data gathered included teachers' perspectives from semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and EAL/D students' digital stories (eBooks) and reflections. Analysis, informed by social semiotics and multimodality theories, suggests that digital storytelling can address challenges like limited proficiency and support the development of diverse literacy repertoires crucial for EAL/D students' academic success and social participation. This study contributes to EAL/D pedagogy by advocating for (a) a broader, more inclusive understanding of literacy in the curriculum that encompasses diverse modalities, (b) integrating digital storytelling in a way that acknowledges EAL/D students' previous knowledge and needs, and (c) assessment practices that recognise and value EAL/D students' diverse literacy skills. While limitations include the single IEC context and the short length of the study, this research holds valuable implications for teachers seeking to integrate technology and digital storytelling into their EAL/D classrooms and for researchers exploring the affordances of technology in promoting multiliteracy skills among migrant and refugee learners.
Details
- Title
- Using Digital Storytelling in English as an Additional Language or Dialect Pedagogy: An Approach to Support Multiliteracies in Migrant and Refugee Education
- Authors/Creators
- Brigitte Z Pedraza Delgado
- Contributors
- Natasha Anne Rappa (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of EducationDorit Maor (Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Professional Doctorate
- Identifiers
- 991005660470307891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Education
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
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