About
Diane Beals conducts research on the links between language and literacy development in young children. Her research on the project has focused largely on the use of narrative and explanation in family mealtime conversations. She also continues research on the development of children’s ability to use different genres of discourse. She has expanded this work to examine the children’s conceptual development, specifically informativeness of the use of rare vocabulary (words preschoolers would not be expected to know) within these discourse genres and situations. She is currently an associate professor of education at The University of Tulsa. She also considers herself an amateur theologian with particular interest in the Reformation theology, and the symbols/signs/representations of the sacraments.
Awards and Honors
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, The University of Tulsa, 2007-08
- Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Faculty Member of the Year, The University of Tulsa, 2006-07
- American Educational Research Association, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service to the Publications Committee, 2004
- Panhellenic Council, Washington University, Outstanding Faculty Member, 1998
- William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank Trustee, Faculty Award to Improve Learning, 1998
Education
- Ed.D., Harvard University
- Dissertation: “I Know Who Makes Ice Cream”: Explanations in Mealtime Conversations of Low-Income Families of Preschoolers
- M.Ed., University of Washington
- B.A., Seattle Pacific University
Research interests and areas of expertise
- Language development
- Literacy
- Cognitive development