Date of Award
8-2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Jessica M. Harris, EdD, CHES
Second Supervisor
Jason Mellen, EdD
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the ways English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) educators overcome communication barriers that typically create a disconnect with English language learner (ELL) families. The study also sought to understand how ESOL educators build relationships with the families of their students. The theoretical framework of the intercultural communication competence (ICC) theory was used as a lens to explore this phenomenon.
The study used descriptive phenomenology and semi-structured interviews to collect data. Purposeful sampling was used to select six certified ESOL educators from urban counties in Central New York State. Thematic coding was used to identify, analyze, and interpret patterns of meaning within the data.
The results from the study yielded eight themes: (a) open-mindedness, (b) transcendental servant leadership, (c) exchanging information, (d) human connection, (e) resiliency, (f) empathy, (g) acquiring insider perspective, and (h) applying culturally competent behaviors. The findings also suggested best practices for educators to implement to overcome communication barriers with ELL families. These best practices include conducting home visits, simplifying the English used with families, using visuals to support the message, using a variety of communication methods, trying to initiate communication more than once, and doing research about the country and culture of the students using a variety of tools such as Culture Gram. Best practices and recommendations were for educators to build relationships with families include helping families problem solve, supporting members of the family other than the student, allowing students to incorporate their culture into school, and staying connected throughout the year.
Recommended Citation
Turley, Shannon, "Perspectives from Teachers on Communication and Building Relationships with English Language Learner Families" (2022). Education Doctoral. Paper 531.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/531
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.