Is Greater Access to English Language Learning Associated with Better Performance on the 'TOEFL Junior'® Comprehensive Test? An Exploratory Investigation. TOEFL® Research Report. RR-87. ETS RR-19-17
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| Title: | Is Greater Access to English Language Learning Associated with Better Performance on the 'TOEFL Junior'® Comprehensive Test? An Exploratory Investigation. TOEFL® Research Report. RR-87. ETS RR-19-17 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ling, Guangming, Gu, Lin |
| Source: | ETS Research Report Series. Dec 2019. |
| Availability: | Educational Testing Service. Rosedale Road, MS19-R Princeton, NJ 08541. Tel: 609-921-9000; Fax: 609-734-5410; e-mail: RDweb@ets.org; Web site: https://www.ets.org/research/policy_research_reports/ets |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2019 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Second Language Learning, English (Second Language), Language Tests, Language Proficiency, Socioeconomic Status, Elementary School Students, Secondary School Students, Cross Cultural Studies, After School Programs, Socioeconomic Background, Computer Assisted Instruction, Correlation, Scores, Decision Making, Educational Policy, Access to Education, Testing, Pilot Projects, Foreign Countries, Age Differences, Second Language Instruction |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| ISSN: | 2330-8516 |
| Abstract: | While many researchers have studied the relationship of socioeconomic status (SES) to adult learners' English language proficiency levels, little is known about this relationship for young learners (i.e., teenagers). In this study, we investigated the degree to which access to English language learning, as reflected by learners' SES, is associated with young learners' English language proficiency as measured by the "TOEFL Junior"® Comprehensive test. We analyzed data from 3,053 young English learners (aged 10-16 years) from 9 countries. Data included TOEFL Junior scores and self-reported SES-related background information indicating starting age of learning English, number of hours spent learning English in after-school programs, length of stay in an English-speaking country, and typing in and learning English on a computer. We found that the latter three factors were significantly associated with TOEFL Junior scores, with substantial variations among countries. These findings suggest that disparities in access to and opportunities for learning may have an impact on young learners' English proficiency levels. However, such relationships should be interpreted in the context of particular countries to arrive at more accurate interpretations and effective decisions in relation to English learning policies and practices. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2020 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1238526 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | While many researchers have studied the relationship of socioeconomic status (SES) to adult learners' English language proficiency levels, little is known about this relationship for young learners (i.e., teenagers). In this study, we investigated the degree to which access to English language learning, as reflected by learners' SES, is associated with young learners' English language proficiency as measured by the "TOEFL Junior"® Comprehensive test. We analyzed data from 3,053 young English learners (aged 10-16 years) from 9 countries. Data included TOEFL Junior scores and self-reported SES-related background information indicating starting age of learning English, number of hours spent learning English in after-school programs, length of stay in an English-speaking country, and typing in and learning English on a computer. We found that the latter three factors were significantly associated with TOEFL Junior scores, with substantial variations among countries. These findings suggest that disparities in access to and opportunities for learning may have an impact on young learners' English proficiency levels. However, such relationships should be interpreted in the context of particular countries to arrive at more accurate interpretations and effective decisions in relation to English learning policies and practices. |
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| ISSN: | 2330-8516 |
