The International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF) awarded Yu-Chi Wang, Ph.D. student in Foreign Language and ESL Education, a Doctoral Dissertation Grant (DDG) in support of her research into language learning and identity.

Through qualitative research at an afterschool book club, Wang’s work investigates identities of elementary school students with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in order to better understand the connection between learning and identity. Wang is conducting her qualitative research by collecting data via audio and video recordings, field notes from observing the book club, semistructured interviews, and students’ written responses. Her work aims to provide teachers a better understanding of culturally and linguistically diverse students’ identities.

TIRF is a non-profit that seeks to generate new knowledge around English language teaching and learning. The DDG was started in 2002 in order to support the research of doctoral candidates studying topics related to the foundation’s education priorities.