The research program at the University Center for the Development of Language and Literacy (UCLL) provides opportunities for University of Michigan students to participate in various aspects of data collection and data reduction. Students from Educational Studies, Linguistics, and Psychology, enrolled in either undergraduate and graduate degrees are encouraged to contact the Center by phone at (734) 764-8440 or email at ucll@umich.edu to discuss volunteer and employment opportunities.

The research program sponsored two undergraduate students from UROP for the 2006-07 school year. UROP is open to first- and second-year students at the University of Michigan and creates research partnerships between undergraduates and faculty members. The students participated in various research activities such as data collection with children in elementary schools, data entry into statistical software, literature searches, and weekly research meetings.

 

 

In April 2007, the UROP research assistants presented a research poster at the UROP Symposium. Their poster presentation investigated the relationship between dialect and writing—one component of the African American English Program.

 

Having undergraduate students involved in the research process benefits both the student as well as the research project. Students bring new insights and fresh perspectives to the research program. In exchange they gain research skills and field experience.