Program
Teaching M.A.
Year Approved
2020
First Advisor
Bostrom, Cheryl
Abstract
Discourse has a profound effect on all students; it affects their sense of self, their beliefs, and their actions. Specifically, teachers who employ a deficit discourse in regard to English Learners (ELs) view ELs as less capable and more delinquent than their mainstream peers. In this paper, I seek to answer three questions: Why does deficit discourse exist in schools? How does it affect ELs? And, what can be done about it? Research suggests that deficit discourse is largely rooted in power dynamics between teachers and students, and its effects on ELs can be damaging. To change deficit discourse, teachers must first become aware of this mindset and then start engaging in asset-based discourse. Based on the research, I developed a professional development tool for teachers to use to help them identify their (often unconscious) employment of deficit discourse in their practice, and to guide teachers toward a new discourse that is based on the capabilities and strengths of ELs.
Degree Name
Teaching M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Lewis, A. L. (2020). Deficit Discourse and its Effects on English Learners [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/397
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