English in the 4th grade in Iceland : exploring exposure and measuring vocabulary size of 4th grade students
Year: 2010
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The main aim of the pilot study presented in this article, was to develop and validate survey items and vocabulary tests intended to seek an answer to the question: What is the nature and size of the English vocabulary of 4th grade students in Iceland at the beginning of formal instruction? The study that is introduced in this article aims to examine the lexical proficiency of 4th grade students in Iceland at the onset of instruction, identify the factors that motivate students to learn English at this early age, and examine the amount and type of English young children are exposed to prior to beginning English studies in school. The results show that the items related to exposure to English demonstrated a high internal consistency reliability, Cronbach’s α = .82, proving reliability. Additionally, a correlation coefficient calculation demonstrates a consistency between a yes/no vocabulary size test and a Vocabulary Knowledge Scale test that validates the instruments. In addition, a significant positive relationship is established between test outcomes, on one hand, and factors such as listening to music and watching television in English on the other.
Source: Skemman
Author: Ásrún Jóhannsdóttir
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2116442107