ERIC Number: EJ1222255
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0957-5146
EISSN: N/A
Public Perception of Early Childhood Language Policy in Ghana: An Exploratory Study
Bronteng, Joyce Esi; Berson, Ilene R.; Berson, Michael J.
Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development, v39 n3 p310-325 2019
This article explores current public perceptions in Ghana about the National Literacy Acceleration Programme (NALAP), a mother tongue-based bilingual medium of instruction (MTB-BMoI) policy for early childhood education. The researchers conducted an exploratory study of public reactions towards the Minister for Education's statement on revamping the program made at the Shared Prosperity Forum held in Accra, Ghana. The article includes an overview of the history of early childhood education language of instruction (LoI) in Ghana and the rationale for the NALAP. Conversations with education officers and parents about their views on the NALAP were analyzed. The findings reflect strong negative feelings about the program among many Ghanaians who express a preference for English-only LoI. The paper discusses the importance of bilingual LoI in early childhood as well as the need to obtain public support, especially among parents, to facilitate full implementation of the program in Ghana. Recommendations for public engagement are proposed.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Public Opinion, Language Usage, Public Policy, Language of Instruction, Bilingualism, Native Language, Early Childhood Education, English, English Only Movement, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 6, Mathematics Achievement, Language Arts, Academic Achievement, Parent Attitudes, School Personnel
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 6; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ghana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A