In today's diverse educational landscape, many children grow up bilingually. However, these children often face challenges in acquiring a second language (L2) while also developing necessary academic skills. A recent study titled "Supporting second language acquisition of bilingual preschool children through professionalization of caregivers in specialized preschool programs" highlights the importance of professionalizing caregivers to improve L2 acquisition in bilingual preschoolers. This blog will discuss how practitioners can implement the outcomes of this research to enhance their skills and encourage further exploration.
Key Findings from the Research
The study investigated the effectiveness of a training program focused on language support strategies and dialogic reading for caregivers in specialized preschool programs. The primary findings include:
- Children's receptive language scores, particularly in grammar, significantly improved when supported by trained caregivers.
- Caregivers' language support competencies also increased after the training.
- The control group, which did not receive the training, showed minimal improvement in receptive vocabulary.
Implementing Research Outcomes in Practice
Based on the study's findings, practitioners can take the following steps to improve their skills and support bilingual children's L2 acquisition:
1. Engage in Professional Development
Caregivers should participate in training programs that focus on language support strategies and dialogic reading. These programs should cover:
- Milestones of language acquisition in bilingual children
- Key language support strategies (e.g., corrective feedback, modeling, parallel talking)
- Principles and practices of dialogic reading
2. Apply Language Support Strategies
Implementing language support strategies in everyday educational situations can significantly impact children's language development. Strategies such as prompting, evaluating, expanding, and repeating (PEER) should be used consistently.
3. Utilize Dialogic Reading
Dialogic reading involves interactive reading sessions where caregivers ask open-ended questions, provide feedback, and adapt their reading style to the child's developing linguistic abilities. This method has been shown to enhance children's narrative comprehension and grammar skills.
4. Monitor and Reflect on Practice
Regularly assess the effectiveness of language support strategies and dialogic reading sessions. Use tools like video analysis to evaluate interactions and identify areas for improvement.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore:
- The long-term impact of caregiver training on children's language outcomes
- The effectiveness of different types of language support strategies
- The role of socioeconomic status in L2 acquisition
Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and continuously seek opportunities for professional growth.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Supporting second language acquisition of bilingual preschool children through professionalization of caregivers in specialized preschool programs.
