Multilingual Research Study

The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of native language and culture of multilingual students on the development of their academic writing skills at Bryn Mawr College. We are interested in understanding how this influence contributes to their English proficiency with the focus on the written medium. Specifically, we are interested in comparing the syntax and information structure of English and the native language of multilingual students to understand the effects on their writing in English for academic purposes. Based on that, we are looking to spread awareness, create learning and training material, and improve the overall experience of multilingual students in the academic setting. The project is expected to last for four years.  

A secondary purpose of this study is to generate training material for writing faculty, writing center tutor training with general tips, strategies, and best practices for supporting multilingual writers in the classroom and in the writing center. Findings from this project are also intended to be presented at conferences and published in writing-related research journals, manuals, and/or books.  

The study is intended as both longitudinal and cross-sectional. 

It’s important to note that your privacy will be protected and the data from the study will be anonymized. 

This study is for Bryn Mawr College multilingual students (international or domestic) who are non-native English speakers and who are 18 years of age or older. 

What does my participation entail? 

Your participation and time commitment is as follows: 

1. Fill out this form to indicate that you are interested in participating. 

2. After reviewing the form and confirming your eligibility, the PI, Vanessa Petroj, will contact you and send you a digital consent form that you will be asked to review, ask any clarifying questions, sign, and return.  

3. After receiving your signed consent form, Vanessa will email you with details about the final step, which includes you sharing drafts of your essays from a writing class. 

Email Vanessa with questions or a meeting request to further discuss details about the study.