Research - Dr. Jo Anne Kingsley
Dr. Jo Anne Kingsley
School of Education
Literacy Development of Second Language Learners
For her Masters, Professor Kingsley engaged in an action research project to examine the teaching/learning process in an inquiry classroom. After studying how she facilitated students’ development of conceptual understandings using a constructivist approach, she pursued her doctoral studies by conducting a qualitative inquiry of an elementary teacher’s literacy practices for second language learners in a constructivist classroom. The teacher balanced literacy instruction by embedding skills instruction within a holistic student-centered framework in a print rich environment that valued authentic contexts for learning. Six focus students from that study are being followed in an attempt to determine how their literacy develops over time. As well, Professor Kingsley is currently involved in a three-year longitudinal qualitative study of an intervention program for parents of preschool youngsters (HIPPY) that uses a team of trained “home visitors” (parents) to work with other parents using a highly structured literacy program focusing on language, problem solving and discrimination skills. This research will examine how the HIPPY program is implemented in the greater Montreal area and what happens to the 3-year olds and parents when involved in the program. Preliminary findings indicate the efficacy of this program in preparing children to be successful in the school setting.
Dialogic Inquiry in the Classroom Context
Professor Kingsley is examining the teaching/learning process in an inquiry classroom. After studying how teachers facilitate students’ development of conceptual understandings, she is now focusing on how a teacher structures the learning environment to facilitate student learning. In particular, she is using a sociocultural framework emanating from Vygotsky’s theories of learning to examine how a teacher can scaffold children’s development of everyday and formal language and thinking. Teachers’ personal practical theories of learning and teaching will also be analysed. Professor Kingsley will conduct a case study of an inquiry classroom at the elementary level.
