Date of Award
Spring 5-3-2024
Document Type
Education 590 Project
Degree Name
Master of Education
Department
Education
Department Chair or Program Director
Dr. Jenkins, Melissa
First Advisor
Dr. Coffman, Teresa
Major or Concentration
Education
Abstract
Second language acquisition at the university level presents notable challenges, particularly for students with disabilities. Despite its significance, this area has remained underexplored in academic research. This study bridged this gap by investigating the specific challenges and effective strategies employed by students with disabilities in second language learning. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined a cross-sectional survey with in-depth interviews of students with disabilities taking world language courses. The focus was to identify specific obstacles and effective practices in this context, with the goal of offering concrete recommendations for more inclusive teaching methodologies and enhanced support mechanisms in university settings. This inquiry was grounded in relevant literature from the fields of special education, inclusive education, and language pedagogy. The study found that students with disabilities encounter significant cognitive, psychological, and instructional barriers in second language acquisition, which can be effectively reduced through personalized, technology-enhanced educational strategies and increased supportive measures within inclusive learning environments. The study contributes valuable insights into the tailored needs of students with disabilities and improves both their academic performance and overall well-being in second language learning environments.
Recommended Citation
Leung, Nelson, "Enhancing Second Language Acquisition for University Students with Learning Disabilities: A Mixed-Methods Study" (2024). Student Research Submissions. 606.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/606