Early Language Learning Complexity and Mixed Methods

by Enever, Janet; Lindgren, Eva

• ISBN13: 9781783098309
• ISBN10: 1783098309
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2017-07-31
• Publisher: Multilingual Matters

Summary

This is the first collection of research studies to explore the potential for mixed methods to shed light on foreign or second language learning by young learners in instructed contexts. It brings together recent studies undertaken in Cameroon, China, Croatia, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania and the UK. Themes include English as an additional language, English as a second or foreign language, French as a modern foreign language, medium of instruction controversies and content and language integrated learning (CLIL). The volume reviews the choice of research methodologies for early language learning research in schools with a particular focus on mixed methods and proposes that in the multidisciplinary context of early language learning this paradigm allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the evidence than other approaches might provide. The collection will be of interest to in-service and trainee teachers of young language learners, graduate students in the field of TESOL and early language learning, teacher educators, researchers and policymakers.

Author Biography

Janet Enever is Professor of Language Teaching and Learning at Umeå University, Sweden and Visiting Professor at University of Reading, UK. Her research interests include early language learning, language policy, globalisation and language learning, and pre-school language learning. Eva Lindgren is Associate Professor of Language Teaching and Learning at Umeå University, Sweden. Her research interests include early language learning, literacy, minority/indigenous education and multilingualism.

Table of Contents

Dedication

List of Contributors

List of Figures

List of Tables

1. Eva Lindgren and Janet Enever: Introduction: Mixed Methods In Early Language Learning Research – Examining Complexity

SECTION 1. OVERVIEWS OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

2. Agatha J. Van Ginkel: Early Language Learning in Complex Linguistic Settings, Insights from Africa

3. Patricia Driscoll: The Complexity of Cultural Learning within Early Language Learning: A Model of Good Practice

4. Victoria Murphy: Literacy Development in Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL)

SECTION 2. EMPIRICAL STUDIES USING MIXED METHODS

5. Alison Porter: Verbal Working Memory and Foreign Language Learning In English Primary Schools: Implications for Teaching and Learning

6. Jiang Changsheng, Zhang Jie, Liang Xiaohua, Yuan Yuan and Qun Xie: Piecing Together the Jigsaw: Understanding Motivations of English Learners in Chinese Primary School through a Questionnaire and Elicited Metaphor Analysis

7. Judith Bündgens-Kosten, Ilonca Hardy and Daniela Elsner: Code-Switching Your Way to Language Learning? Receptive Code-Switching With Digital Storybooks in Early Language Learning

8. Heather Hilton: Individual Differences and English L2 Learning in Two Primary Classrooms in France

9. Karmen Pižorn: Content and Language Integrated Learning: A Panacea for Young English Language Learners?

SECTION 3. LONGITUDINAL PERSPECTIVES USING MIXED METHODS

10. Yuko Goto Butler: The Dynamics of Motivation Development among Young Learners of English in China

11. Lucilla Lopriore: Young Italian Learners' Foreign Language Development: A Longitudinal Perspective

12. Eva Lindgren and Janet Enever: Employing Mixed Methods for the Construction of Thick Descriptions of Early Language Learning

13. Jelena Mihaljevic Djigunovic: Developmental Aspects of Early EFL Learning

SECTION FOUR: EVALUATING EARLY LANGUAGE LEARNING PROGRAMMES

14. María Del Pilar García Mayo and Ainara Imaz: Child EFL Interaction: Age, Instructional Setting and Development

15. Peter Sayer, Ruth Ban and Magdalena López De Anda: Evaluating the Educational Outcomes of an Early Foreign Language Program: The Design of an Impact Study for the Primary English Program in Mexico

16. Raphaela Porsch and Eva Wilden: The Development of a Curriculum-Based C-Test for Young EFL Learners

17. Janet Enever and Eva Lindgren Mixed Methods in Early Language Learning Research