LibGuides: English as a Second Language: Dissertations

Dissertation Databases

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses @ National University This link opens in a new window
Content: National University & NCU student dissertations and literature reviews.
Purpose: Use for foundational research, to locate test instruments and data, and more.
Special Features: Search by advisor (chair), degree, degree level, or department. Includes a read-aloud feature.
ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global - Full Text This link opens in a new window
Content: Global student dissertations and literature reviews.
Purpose: Use for foundational research, to locate test instruments and data, and more.
Special Features: Search by advisor (chair), degree, degree level, or department. Includes a read-aloud feature
The ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database (PQDT) is the world's most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses. It is the database of record for graduate research, with over 2.3 million dissertations and theses included from around the world.

Selected Dissertations

Learn how to find dissertations in the Library. See the FAQ: How can I find completed dissertations in the Library?

Case Study for Improving ELL Achievement with Common Core Standards Through Teacher Professional Development
The purpose of the qualitative case study of a primary school classroom, in an urban Phoenix district, was to explore the potential impacts of teacher professional development for working with ELLs and implementing CCSS on ELL achievement. Author: Ashley Stewart, Northcentral University.
A Correlational Study of Graphic Organizers and Science Achievement of English Language Learners
The purpose of this correlational quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between the use of graphic organizer-infused science instruction and science learning of high school ELLs. Author: William Gordon Clarke, Northcentral University.
The Effectiveness of a Combined Word Study and Reading Curriculum with ESL and NonESL First Graders
Examined the effectiveness of a combined reading curriculum (CRC), a developmental, systematic, comprehensive program designed to teach the essential reading components of phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Author: Kevin Zugel, University of Nevada, Reno.
The Effects of Texting and Electronic Language-Switching on English as a Second Language (ESL) Students' Performance and Cognitive Load: Side Effects of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
Focused on how texting in class and texting language (L1 or L2) affected ESL IEP university students’ reading performance and cognitive load. Author: Daniela C. Wagner-Loera, Grand Canyon University.
Investigating International College ESL Students' Experiences on L1 and L2 Note Taking to Improve English Skills: A Qualitative Study
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate international ESL college students’ experiences of how using their native language (L1) or English (L2) note taking in the classroom affected their L2 writing skills. Author: Lori D. Jamieson, Northcentral University.
A Qualitative Study of ESL Teacher Experiences and Perceptions of Comprehension and Scaffolding for Refugee Students
The purpose of this qualitative survey study was to explore effective ESL teacher experiences and perceptions with comprehension and scaffolding for listening and reading to K12 refugee students from all over the world in public school districts in New York State. Author: Paulina A. White, Northcentral University.
A Qualitative Study on Secondary Teacher Attitudes toward English Learners in the Mainstream Classroom
The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the attitudes of secondary mainstream teachers in the Fayette County School District toward teaching ELLs in mainstream classrooms and to examine their professional development in ESL. Author: Casey Kreitner, Northcentral University.
Retention in Nursing Program: Factors Contributing to the Success of ESL Students
The purpose of this study was to examine student and faculty views regarding factors that contribute to the academic success and retention of ESL students. Author: Patience Jegbefu Mbulu, Walden University.
The Role of Morphological Awareness in Academic Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension Skills of Adult ESL Learners
Examined if explicit morphology instruction makes a contribution to ESL learners' morphological awareness, academic vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. Author: Melike Yucel-Koc, Seattle Pacific University.
Students at a Disadvantage: ELLS and the Educators Who Make a Difference in Their Lives
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate and document how eight ESOL educators from a variety of educational settings in a lower income urban setting in Kansas would describe their experiences with secondary school Latinos. Author: Valerie A. Snyder, Northcentral University.