A content analysis of JAAL (2012)

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We asked how does the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy (JAAL) embody the changing landscape of literacy research? We conducted a content analysis of all featured articles (n=43) for 2012. In addition to coding for methodology and participant demographics, common themes were identified between the articles. The following questions are based on the findings:

1. How can teachers’ understanding of student identity support the development of literacy skills? 
2. Should JAAL publish more mixed-methods studies? Quantitative studies? What are the benefits and limitations of each methodological approach?

      3. Would a greater concentration of adult literacy articles expand the readership for JAAL?

      4. What would you like to see as common themes for 2013?

 Table 1: Core Themes

Theme	Total          (n=43)	Proportion
Motivation	3	7%
Reading	6	14%
Out-of-school literacies	5	11%
Assessment	1	2%
Multimodal literacy	3	7%
Identity	8	19%
Writing	6	14%
Cultural responsiveness	2	5%
Pre-service and in-service teacher preparation	4	9%
Disciplinary/Content literacy	2	5%
Inquiry-based instruction	3	7%

Table 2: Methodology

Methodology	Total (n=43)	Proportion
Qualitative	33	76%
Quantitative	2	5%
Mixed-methods	2	5%
Theoretical	6	14%

   

Table 3: Participants  

Population studied	Total (n=43)	Proportion
Middle school (6-8)	11	26%
High school (9-12)	12	28%
Middle school and High school (6-12)	2	5%
High school and post-secondary	1	2%
Adults (non-pre-service teachers)	3	7%
Pre-service teachers	7	16%
Youths (unspecified)	7	16%

Common Themes and Descriptions

Motivation – strategies and techniques to more actively engage students

Reading—comprehension, oral language, fluency, stances

Out-of-school literacies – reading and writing practices students make use of outside the academic setting

Assessment—the process of documenting knowledge and skills in a measurable way

Multimodal literacy—the use of semiotic sign systems, including works of art, photography, video, aural recordings, online pieces, remixed material of any sort

Identity— self-representation in texts, voices or stances utilized in writing

Writing—scaffolding, outlining, editing and revising, vocabulary, academic writing

Cultural responsiveness—pedagogy that considers the cultural knowledge, heritage, prior experiences and performance styles of diverse students

Pre-service and in-service teacher preparation—post-secondary teacher education coursework and in-service workshops, conferences, and forums for expanding skills

Disciplinary/Content literacy—both generalized and specialized literacy skills in the disciplines

Inquiry-based instruction—enhancing student problem-solving skills through collaboration with teacher facilitation