ERIC Number: ED662489
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0885-2006
EISSN: N/A
The Classroom Language Context and English and Spanish Vocabulary Development among Dual Language Learners Attending Head Start
Elisa B. Garcia
Grantee Submission, Early Childhood Research Quarterly v42 p148-157 2018
Using a nationally representative sample of dual language learners (DLLs) attending Head Start, this study investigated how the language used for instruction and the proportion of DLLs in the class was associated with English and Spanish receptive vocabulary development between the fall and spring (n = 531). Based on teacher report of the language or languages used for instructional activities in the classroom, teachers were categorized as using (1) English only, (2) a mix of English and Spanish, or (3) mostly Spanish. Three-level hierarchical linear models showed that children in classrooms using a mix of English and Spanish had English vocabulary scores that were no different than children in English-only classrooms. Children in mostly Spanish classrooms, however, had significantly lower spring English scores than children in English-only classrooms. In addition, children in English-only classrooms had significantly lower Spanish vocabulary scores than children in the other two categories of classrooms, which did not differ from each other. The higher the proportion of DLLs in a class the lower were spring English scores, but not Spanish vocabulary scores. Findings suggest that using bilingual instruction, and sharing classrooms with English-dominant peers can promote English vocabulary development without a cost to Spanish vocabulary development.
Descriptors: Bilingualism, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Spanish, Low Income Students, Social Services, Federal Programs, Vocabulary Development, Scores, Teacher Attitudes, Language Usage, Receptive Language, Language of Instruction, Comparative Analysis, Language Tests, Bilingual Education, Classroom Communication, Peer Relationship, Family Relationship, Measures (Individuals), Preschool Education, Preschool Children, Intelligence Tests, Vocabulary, Verbal Ability, Family Characteristics
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Head Start
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Family Adaptability Cohesion Evaluation Scales; Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305B140009