Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Education

Advisor

Kwabena D. Ofori-Attah

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine the educational development (ED) needs of higher education (HE) faculty who have English language learners (ELLs) in their mainstream courses but do not have specialized training in teaching such students. A quantitative approach was used to explore the impact of any existing ED and areas that might need improvement. This study, guided by andragogy, examined the pedagogical needs of these HE faculty. A cross-sectional analysis of online survey data using a multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) examined the ED needs and available resources of faculty with respect to their institutions and demographics. With N = 66, statistically significant results were found for the faculty's self-perceived responsibility to teach academic skills to their ELLs based upon teaching experience; and language skills based upon ethnicity. Significant results were observed for self-perceived needs related to addressing the academic needs of their ELLs based upon ethnicity; and language skills for gender, home language, where they grew up, and experience living abroad. The institutional context yielded significant results for the self-perceived responsibilities to teach academic skills based upon their ELL students' full-time study status; however, nonsignificant results were found for the impact of existing ED on the needs and feelings of responsibility for addressing the academic and language skills of their ELLs. This study contributes to positive social change by adding evidence-based information on the needs and feelings of responsibility of HE faculty working with ELLs. The results may have broader implications for improving and expanding ED for HE faculty by providing insights into their curriculum, instruction, and assessment needs.

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