Research Symposium

BIO

Natalia Pyatt is a first-year student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with plans to minor in General Business. As a National Merit Scholar and Honors student, Natalia has felt enriched by this first experience in undergraduate research. She is grateful for the guidance and mentorship Dr. Brenda Wawire and Dr. Adrienne Barnes-Story have offered. Natalia anticipates future research involvement through the Research Experience Program offered by the Women in Math, Science, and Engineering Living Learning Community (WIMSE). Outside of class, Natalia spends her time serving on WIMSE's Outreach Committee and volunteering at 211 Big Bend. She is enthusiastic about pursuing a career in healthcare, and this research experience has helped spark the drive and curiosity needed in the health profession.

Language Practices and Learning Experiences of At-Risk Learners from Kenya: Parent and Teacher Perspectives

Abstract

Youth literacy rates in Kenya are severely low compared to the global average, creating lifetime educational and economic hindrances. Our research examines the language experiences/practices of children at risk of reading failure in Kenya and the barriers faced by parents and teachers in supporting children with reading difficulties. By understanding these experiences, we can identify how to provide a supportive learning environment and help future generations avoid reading and comprehension difficulties. Our team interviewed 70 parents and teachers in Kenya using Key Informant Interviews about classroom settings, challenges, child demographics, and reading practices at home and school that gathered in depth information about their learning settings, home and school language and literacy practices, challenges and barriers support at learners. Interviews are currently being analyzed on Dedoose using a codebook designed for this research project to identify trends in the data. Although data analysis is ongoing, several trends have appeared. Many parents reported facing reading challenges, economic issues, and the need for system change in schools. These challenges are related to limited resources and access to books. This research---when shared with education stakeholders---can help find solutions such as educational programs supporting literacy development and suggests the need for future research on intensive schooling programs and targeted resources.

Keywords: literacy, Kenya, education, reading difficulties