TITLE:  Does a Focus on Academic Language Retention in an Ethnic Studies Course Impact Students' Understanding and Learning in an Ethnic Studies Class?

ABSTRACT: This self-study research was designed with the goal of improving my pedagogical approaches to teaching academic language. Through research on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA), and various other strategies, a study was done to ascertain the effectiveness of my approach to teaching complex academic language in an ethnic studies classroom in an urban setting. Using a quantitative methods approach, data was collected that helped determine the effectiveness of my change in pedagogy. Analysis of this data has helped inform my pedagogical approach to teaching academic language along with determining future recommendations for research.

COMPLETED:  December 2025