Heather Ryan, Diana Cassulis, Aiko Minematsu & Yukako Otsuki

This is a special panel for proposed works by GSE students. They will present their work to attendees as well as offer discussion surrounding proposing work in the current pandemic-related climate.

Zoom Link for entire panel: https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/97500540734?pwd=bThkUUZIdGRYVDBKV0NqK3BXTVRxZz09

An Exploration of Summer Mathematics Programming and Mathematics Attitudes at Public Libraries (Heather Ryan)

This study explores the state of summer math programming at public libraries and the relationship between the lack of programming, lack of mathematics skills, and lack of confidence among library staff by focusing on one county in New York state.This study will lay the groundwork for future action research to help implement summer mathematics programming in libraries by identifying what interventions will be most beneficial for library staff and where they need the most support. As education has moved online due to COVID-19, public libraries have taken on a greater role in assisting students with schoolwork. The new format has also put more pressure on parents to act as teachers. It is more important than ever that public librarians have the knowledge, and confidence, to assist students and their parents with math questions. This study will help us to better prepare children to participate in a mathematically literate society and contribute to the ongoing discussion of competencies for public librarians.

Benefits of Dedicated Early Literacy Programs for Children with Disabilities in Public Libraries (Diana Cassulis)

This study proposes to test the hypothesis that early literacy programs in public libraries designed specifically for children with disabilities have a greater potential to impact their literacy, communication, socialization, and physical abilities compared to early literacy programs designed for typically developing children but open to those with disabilities. To collect a broad range of data, the researcher proposes to conduct research in three distinct public library settings: rural, suburban, and city libraries. This would be a longitudinal study following a cohort of a total of 20-25 children with developmental, physical, and/or neural disabilities from age 2 through their year of kindergarten, while also collecting data about their families. Data involving short-term benefits of dedicated programming would also be collected and analyzed.

A case study of Japanese pre-service English teachers’ reflective practice in teaching methodology course (Aiko Minematsu & Yukako Otsuki)

This proposed study will investigate how Japanese pre-service English teachers develop their teaching professions through reflective practice on their micro-teaching lessons in a teaching methods course at university. The study will conduct a case study of Japanese pre-service English teachers who are English majors and take a teaching methods course at university in Tokyo. Data will be collected through 1) observations of micro-teaching lessons, 2) lesson plans and teaching materials, 3) reflections on micro-teaching, 4) a final reflection paper, 5) an end-of-semester questionnaire, and 6) individual interviews. The study will give insights of effective ways/tools of reflective practice to teacher educators and teacher education program administrators.