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Dissertation Information for Sylvia Vardell

NAME:
- Sylvia Vardell
- (Alias) Sylvia Mergeler Vardell

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- [No Discipline Recorded]

SCHOOL:
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (USA) (1983)

ADVISORS:
- None

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Inspected

Title: THE DEVELOPMENT IN USE AND UNDERSTANDING OF LITERARY CONVENTIONS IN CHILDREN'S READING AND WRITING OF STORIES

Abstract: This study investigated and described the developmental nature of literary understanding as demonstrated by (20) subjects in the sixth, ninth, and twelfth grades, respectively. The research focused on examining subjects' responses to and understanding of the popular detective/mystery genre. Subjects were required (1) to read and reread a selected story and respond to it via written questionnaires, as well as (2) to compose such a formulaic story (rough and final drafts) and respond to it in writing by means of self-assessing questionnaires. Two discrete sets of data emerged: subjects' original story compositions and subjects' responses to the questionnaires which followed the reading and composing tasks. These data were analyzed using a content analysis scheme designed by the investigator which incorporated traditional literary elements (characterization, plot, setting, theme) as a framework for describing the quality of story writing and the depth of response. Results showed statistically significant differences across the grades in both composing and responding modes, particularly between sixth and twelfth graders. The original story compositions varied significantly in terms of the quality of characterization, use of foreshadowing, the creation of ending, total story development, and overall quality. Twelfth grade subjects achieved the highest ratings for each of these elements. Subjects' responses to the stories they read and wrote also showed significant overall developmental differences, particularly for the elements of characterization and plot. Older subjects demonstrated increased ability to ascertain motivation behind characters' behaviors and to discuss their representativeness of the story genre, especially in responding to the story selection. They were also best able to assess the degree of reality present in their own stories, the structuring of suspense in the stories they read, and the creation of believable conflicts and meaningful resolutions in response to both stories. A developmental picture emerged in terms of subjects' abilities to recognize story components, attribute them to an author, and articulate the extent to which these elements shape the response to literature. Students should be taught to bring this evolving literary sense to reading, writing, and responding to text, both as audience and as author.

MPACT Scores for Sylvia Vardell

A = 5
C = 4
A+C = 9
T = 5
G = 1
W = 5
TD = 5
TA = 0
calculated 2012-08-16 09:43:36

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