AW: ask for suggestions on research methodology

[Kristina Bedijs]

Hi Ellen,

There are several studies on the subject ongoing in Europe. It is a general belief that English learning has to start as early as possible, to avoid disadvantages for the child and to benefit from the so-called "open frames" in language acquisition that might close later, once the child has acquired its own mother tongue completely.

One study you might be interested in is "The main pedagogical principles underlying the teaching of languages to very young learners. Languages for the children of Europe. Published Research, Good Practice & Main Principles", conducted by the European Commission. You find it here: http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/lang/doc/young_en.pdf

As to your study, I would suggest you undertake English language competence tests within kindergarten children and primary school children. It would be best if you could find primary school children with and without former English schooling in kindergarten. Results may prove either advantages for those children starting very soon, or show no differences at all between the children's competences, whether they started at 3 or at 6 years.

Hope that helps!

Kristina (Göttingen, Germany)





________________________________
Von: yqwang <yqwang at admin.ecnu.edu.cn>
An: info-childes <info-childes at googlegroups.com>
Gesendet: Dienstag, den 15. Dezember 2009, 14:20:30 Uhr
Betreff: ask for suggestions on research methodology

 
This 
is the first time I ask for help here. I am 
looking forward for your kind suggestions.
 
Inmy Ph.D. dissertation, I want to conduct a study on kindergarten English 
instruction. Since 1990s, parents are crazy for young kids’English learning in China . It’s a fact in Shanghai that most 
kindergarten provide English program for 3-6 year children. It seems that 
parents are over-anxious. However, what is the relationship between kindergarten 
English learning and later English achievement?Can the early start guarantee more success? What 
are the optimal conditions for children to learn a foreign language?I think a careful study is necessary and of great significance to both parents 
and kindergartenteachers.　Howcan I conduct my study effectively?  Is there anyone have done relevant studies?Suggestions on methodology are especially welcome. 
Thanks 
in advance for any help anyone is able to offer regarding this 
point.
 
Ellen 
 
  
************************************************************************************************
 
 
Ellen Wang
Ph.D. Student
Children’s Language Development and Education 
Area
Department of Preschool 
Education
EastChina Normal University
Shanghai,  China
 
 
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