Abstract

This qualitative action research examines the effects, if any at all, the implementation of an interdisciplinary literacy unit in a fourth-grade classroom had on students' perceived writing self-efficacy. This study aims to inform the teacher-researcher to make actionable changes to current teaching. Additionally, this study continues the research and discussion surrounding how educators and stakeholders approach instruction. This research required participants to complete a pre-writing self-efficacy survey, participate in an interdisciplinary literacy unit and then complete a post writing self-efficacy survey. The interdisciplinary literacy unit took place during the distance learning environment that was a result of the global pandemic, COVID-19. During the interdisciplinary unit, participants used the disciplines of language arts, science, and math to learn about the concept of interdependence as it relates to the Eastern Oysters in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida. This research sought out to explore the Research Question (RQ): Does implementation of an interdisciplinary literacy approach affect students' writing self-efficacy? Findings of this study suggest that the implementation of an interdisciplinary literacy unit in a fourth-grade classroom maintains or increases self-efficacy for most of the research participants. Implications of this study affords educators training in interdisciplinary literacy practices, adequate planning time so that educators can collaborate with colleagues to plan for interdisciplinary literacy lessons and administering writing self-efficacy surveys multiple times a school year to gauge students' perceived writing self-efficacy. Beyond the classroom, this study offers opportunities of collaboration with families to inform them of their child's progress and self-efficacy levels to better support their child's continued learning.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Olan, Elsie

Degree

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

School of Teacher Education

Degree Program

Elementary Education

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0008261; DP0023615

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023615

Language

English

Release Date

8-15-2023

Length of Campus-only Access

3 years

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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