Assessment Of Language Development Research Articles

Estrategias psicopedagógicas para potenciar el desarrollo lingüístico de estudiantes afectados por violencia intrafamiliar

Psychopedagogical strategies are crucial for enhancing linguistic progress in students, promoting communicative skills, and overcoming difficulties. The article aims to develop a psychopedagogical strategy to improve language development in students at the Portoviejo Educational Unit who have been affected by domestic violence. The methodology employed is a mixed-method, descriptive, non-experimental approach. The theoretical methods used were analytical, inductive-deductive, while the techniques included surveys of teachers, language development assessment tests using the Instrument for School Age (IDTEL), as well as interviews with experts. The intentional population and sample consisted of 7 students aged 6 to 9 affected by domestic violence, 12 teachers from these educational levels, and 3 experts knowledgeable about the topic. The results highlight the difficulties experienced by students affected by domestic violence in their language development and usage. 61% exhibit low levels in morphosyntactic aspects, 69% in pragmatic aspects, 51% in phonological aspects, and 52% in semantic aspects. The article concludes with the design of a psychopedagogical strategy aimed at improving language development in students affected by domestic violence through activities that promote confidence, self-esteem, listening comprehension, expression, and literacy skills. This strategy was validated by experts in the field, endorsing its viability and the importance of addressing the linguistic difficulties of these students.

Exploring The Effects of English as a Foreign Language on First Language Development of Young Children: The Case of Greece

This study meticulously investigates the interplay between Early Second Language Acquisition (ESLA) and the potential emergence of first language disorders in the unique context of Greece. Embedded in the Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) paradigm, it aims to untangle existing ambiguities and explore implications for Greek society and education. Employing a Concurrent Mixed Methods Approach, the study attempts to unveil the intricate impacts of ESLA on First Language Development (FLD).Grounded in CDST's framework emphasizing linguistic system complexity, and interconnectedness, the research design employs a Descriptive Exploratory orientation through a Case Study Methodology. This facilitates comprehensive research into two cohorts of children aged four, representing monolingual Greek kindergartens (Cohort A) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL)-focused kindergartens (Cohort B).The research inquiries delve into multifaceted language development aspects amidst intricate linguistic dynamics. This involves nuanced analysis of potential performance disparities in the primary language pre- and post-interventions in early foreign language pedagogy, meticulous comparative assessment of both cohorts, and insightful exploration of EFL's implications on young children's nascent language development.Methodologically, data collection employs a language development assessment tool (Logometro®). The collection of both quantitative and qualitative data in this study is contingent upon the application of the Logometro® language assessment instrument. Thematic Analysis shapes the qualitative corpus, complemented by statistical analyses for quantitative data.Anticipated outcomes aim to enhance understanding among Greek educational authorities and the scientific community about intricate, adaptive ESLA impacts on FLD. Findings could influence enduring, impactful EFL policies shaped by Greek authorities. Overall, the research deepens comprehension of latent consequences tied to ESLA's effects on FLD, set within Greece’s intricate context. Nested within CDST's theoretical framework, the amalgamation of research methodology and insights provides a robust foundation for future inquiries and invaluable guidance for policymakers navigating English language education decisions among young learners.

Factors affecting judgment accuracy when scoring children's responses to non-word repetition stimuli in real time.

Non-word repetition (NWR) tests are an important way speech and language therapists (SaLTs) assess language development. NWR tests are often scored whilst participants make their responses (i.e., in real time) in clinical and research reports (documented here via a secondary analysis of a published systematic review). The main aim was to determine the extent to which real-time coding of NWR stimuli at the whole-item level (as correct/incorrect) was predicted by models that had varying levels of detail provided from phonemic transcriptions using several linear mixed method (LMM) models. Live scores and recordings of responses on the universal non-word repetition (UNWR) test were available for 146 children aged between 3 and 6 years where the sample included all children starting in five UK schools in one year or two consecutive years. Transcriptions were made of responses to two-syllable NWR stimuli for all children and these were checked for reliability within and between transcribers. Signal detection analysis showed that consonants were missed when judgments were made live. Statistical comparisons of the discrepancies between target stimuli and transcriptions of children's responses were then made and these were regressed against live score accuracy. Six LMM models (three normalized: 1a, 2a, 3a; and three non-normalized: 1b, 2b, 3b) were examined to identify which model(s) best captured the data variance. Errors on consonants for live scores were determined by comparison with the transcriptions in the following ways (the dependent variables for each pair of models): (1) consonants alone; (2) substitutions, deletions and insertions of consonants identified after automatic alignment of live and transcribed materials; and (3) as with (2) but where substitutions were coded further as place, manner and voicing errors. The normalized model that coded consonants in non-words as 'incorrect' at the level of substitutions, deletions and insertions (2b) provided the best fit to the real-time coding responses in terms of marginal R2, Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) statistics. Errors that occur on consonants when non-word stimuli are scored in real time are characterized solely by the substitution, deletion and insertion measure. It is important to know that such errors arise when real-time judgments are made because NWR tasks are used to assess and diagnose several cognitive-linguistic impairments. One broader implication of the results is that future work could automate the analysis procedures to provide the required information objectively and quickly without having to transcribe data. What is already known on this subject Children and patients with a wide range of cognitive and language difficulties are less accurate relative to controls when they attempt to repeat non-words. Responses to non-words are often scored as correct or incorrect at the time the test is conducted. Limited assessments of this scoring procedure have been conducted to date. What this study adds to the existing knowledge Live NWR scores made by 146 children were available and the accuracy of these judgements was assessed here against ones based on phonemic transcriptions. Signal detection analyses showed that live scoring missed consonant errors in children's responses. Further analyses, using linear mixed effect models, showed that live judgments led to consonant substitution, deletion and insertion errors. What are the practical and clinical implications of this work? Improved and practicable NWR scoring procedures are required to provide SaLTs with better indications about children's language development (typical and atypical) and for clinical assessments of older people. The procedures currently used miss substitutions, deletions and insertions. Hence, procedures are required that provide the information currently only available when materials are transcribed manually. The possibility of training automatic speech recognizers to provide this level of detail is raised.

Reliability of oral language and emergent literacy tele-assessments in autistic children: A preliminary study

BACKGROUND: The growing need and popularity of telepractice over conventional direct therapy by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) demand validation of oral language and literacy assessments via telepractice mode. Considering the limited research on the validation of standardised oral language and literacy tele-assessment in autistic children, it is vital to explore the feasibility of standardised oral language assessments in specific cultural and linguistic contexts. OBJECTIVE: To examine the reliability of standardised oral language and emergent literacy assessments delivered via telepractice in autistic children. METHODS: Emergent literacy and oral language skills of ten autistic children aged between 4 to 8 years were assessed using the Test of Emergent Literacy Assessment (TELA), and Assessment of Language Development (ALD) through in-person and tele-assessment with a gap of 15 days. RESULTS: The findings of the present study establish the reliability of standardised oral language and literacy tele-assessment in autistic children by demonstrating a high level of agreement between in-person and tele-assessment modes. CONCLUSIONS: Telepractice, may therefore, be a feasible and reliable mode of oral language and literacy assessment in autistic children, with adequate knowledge of the required special accommodation(s), training and strong collaboration with the facilitator(s).

Assessment of Language Development in Dual Language Learners: A Case Report

Propelled by immigration, language diversity is increasing in the United States, and more young children are exposed to two or more languages at home from birth. Known as dual language learners (DLLs), the benefits of this exposure include multilingual and multiliterate outcomes. However, DLLs introduce complexity for the pediatric provider's assessment of language development, identification of potential language delays, and timely referrals. If language delays are not promptly identified and followed with early intervention, they can persist and lead to poor outcomes across multiple domains.

Screen Exposure and Child Development: A Contextual Analysis of Pandemic

Covid Pandemic impacted people across the globe, especially children who spent the most crucial years in lockdown and had to readjust themselves to the real world after the pandemic. Many children were fixated to screen devices for education, entertainment, and family interaction with limited physical socialization. The research aimed to study the impact of screen duration on language acquisition, behavioral development, social competency, and emotional regulation. The sample comprised 406 children 2-6 years old with no physical and psychological diagnosis and acquired developmental milestones at the appropriate age. Purposive sampling was conducted, and data were collected from various public and private schools and daycares. Albert Language Development Questionnaire, Strengths and Difficulties, and Social Competence (parent versions) were used to assess language development, behavioral problems, social interaction, and emotional regulation. For analysis, correlation, regression, and ANOVA were conducted. Results showed social competence and behavioral difficulties as significant predictors of Language Impairment. Increased screen exposure was found to be related to language impairment, behavioral difficulties, and poor social competence. Each of the factors was found to be significantly related, confirming our hypothesis. The results are beneficial for caregivers, teachers, and psychologists in providing guidelines about the factors. That is impairing child development especially excessive use of screen devices.

TEACHER'S STRATEGY TO IMPROVING EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE SKILLS IN IT INSAN ROBBANI SIBUHAN KINDERGARTEN

The problem behind this research is improving teachers' learning strategies to enhance children's language proficiency. This study aimed to examine how teachers' techniques are used in the language development of TK IT Insan Robbani children. This study uses a descriptive, qualitative method. The data collection methods in this study are observational use and interviews. Data analysis techniques in this study are data reduction, data presentation, validation, and inference. The results of this study, which was found to be about teachers' strategies for developing children's language skills, explored teachers' direct communication methods, storytelling methods, visual media use, and checklist and anecdotal assessment of language development by providing.

Evaluation of the social communication of children up to 12 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Psychosocial Care Center

Objective: To characterize social communication in children up to 12 years old diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treated at the Child Psychosocial Care Center (CAPSi) in Mossoró/RN. Methods: Exploratory, descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted at CAPSi in Mossoró/RN. The data collection was based on the application of questionnaires to parents/guardians to characterize their socioeconomic conditions and their perception of their children. The Language Development Assessment (LDA) instrument for children was used, developed to assess the acquisition and development of language content (semantics) and structure (morphology and syntax). The questionnaires were coded, and the data were tabulated for further statistical analysis. Results: 33 children and 73 parents/guardians were studied. Most parents/guardians were female (95.9%), aged 30-39 years (mean age 37.6 years predominantly), with a partner (60%), with high school education (45%), and monthly income around one minimum wage (76.7%), having positive attitudes toward their children and noticing difficulties in their communication. In applying the questionnaire to the children, 63.7% presented results within the normal range, while 3% presented mild and 33.3% severe language alterations. Conclusion: Children with ASD attending CAPSi have language disorders in the pragmatic sublevel, and more than half of the participants did not have morphosyntactic and semantic changes.

Clinical Bilingual Evaluations: Exploring Ways to Overcome Barriers in the Direct Assessment of Both Languages When There Is a Suspicion of Language Disorder

Purpose: Speech-language pathologists report barriers to conducting culturally appropriate bilingual language evaluations when there is a suspicion of language disorder. One barrier is that there may not be personnel available to directly assess language development in a language other than English. The purpose of this clinical focus article is to demonstrate the potential for speech-language pathologists to incorporate direct assessment data from a language they cannot speak fluently when there are barriers to a comprehensive bilingual evaluation. First, we review the clinical markers of bilingual language disorders. Second, we review the evidence from audiology that uses closed-set tasks to assess speech recognition in languages the clinician cannot speak fluently. Last, we explore potential methods for applying such practices in clinical language evaluations when there is a suspicion of language disorder. Conclusions: Closed-set tasks, such as receptive language tests, could be a promising way for speech-language pathologists to incorporate direct assessment data from a language they cannot fluently speak into bilingual language evaluations. Other structured tasks, such as sentence repetition tasks, may not yield valid language data without the clinician having adequate competency in the test language. This clinical focus article emphasizes the great need to diversify the profession of speech-language pathology to promote equity and access to clinical language evaluations and interventions for culturally and linguistically diverse children.

Sentence Diversity in Spanish-English Bilingual Toddlers.

There remain few available tools to assess language development in Spanish-English dual language learner (DLL) toddlers in the United States. Of interest is the development of early sentences as children move from producing single words to producing multiword utterances. This study is the first to extend sentence diversity to the context of Spanish-English DLLs by describing development from 24 to 30 months of age in children with and without language delays (LDs). Spontaneous language samples were collected from Spanish-dominant DLL children and their mothers as they were observed during a free-play interaction. Existing sentence diversity protocols were adapted for the DLL context to describe children's flexibility in combining subjects and verbs to form utterances in Spanish and English. Children maintained an accurate separation in their grammars for subject-verb combinations in Spanish versus English. There was an overwhelming preference for Spanish subject-verb combinations with null subjects. The emergence of sentence diversity distinguished children with and without early LD unlike the emergence of word combinations. Consistent with prior research, findings showed that DLLs did not confuse grammatical structures across languages. Instead, they showed a differential pattern of results in each language, such that the strongest grammatical skills were evinced first in the dominant language. Sentence diversity shows promise for assessment and progress monitoring in Spanish-English DLLs in the United States.

¿Basta con el habla? Evaluación del desarrollo del lenguaje en niños sordos prelocutivos durante los primeros seis años de vida. Una revisión sistemática

ABSTRACT Purpose To synthesize the relevant scientific information regarding the assessment of language development in prelingually deaf children during their first six years of life, in order to determine whether it is sufficient to confirm the presence of some language development in this population, or if a more integrated approach would be more appropriate. Research strategies A structured review of the relevant scientific literature was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Lilacs, Ibecs, Trip DataBase, Cochrane library, Clinical Trial and Nice. Selection criteria Systematic reviews, health technology assessments, randomized clinical trials, observational cohorts and case-control studies; including publications of assessments concerning any aspect of language development or any intervention in any language. Evaluations related exclusively to hearing and speech, to central, sudden or transient deafness, to deaf-blindness, to further disabilities or to autism spectrum disorders, were excluded. Data analysis GRADE methodology was used to analyze evidence quality. Results It is possible to evaluate the language development of prelingually deaf children. A moderate quality of evidence was obtained, suggesting that the evaluations’ results are fairly trustworthy, provided that the assessments are conducted within an integrated approach of other linguistic elements. Conclusion The results of the language evaluations must be supported mostly by receptive and expressive language data, and the found evidence can be improved by combining the assessments of the formal linguistic elements of both oral and gestural modalities with the pragmatic components of the communication process.

Objective Methods in the Assessment of Child Language Development in Natural Settings and Using Testing

The authors describe the application of various approaches to the assessment of child language development reviewing the methods most widely used in research and clinical practice. The review outlines the benefits and some limitations of longitudinal method of assessment using language recordings, language corpus analysis and transcripts of speech samples. Technical aspects of the linguistic environment recordings using LENA technology, which allows to achieve ecologic validity in the assessment of children’s language environment, are considered. Analysis of the corpus data through the transcription of the dialogues between children and adults are discussed, as well as the study of linguistic parameters of child speech in comparison to a normative group of peers. The authors offer a review of the most widely known parent reports, questionnaires, and maximum performance testing of children’s language development. Among the assessment tools available for Russian-speaking populations McArthur-Bates CDI and PLS-5 are reviewed. The authors note an importance of integration of Russian research into the international scientific knowledgebase through the adaptation of methods for assessment of language development in children.

Exploring English Language Development Assessment for Real-Time Interaction between Autonomous Robots and Children: A Preliminary Study

Despite attention by educators and researchers to the advancement of robotics research in education, little experimental research has been conducted on the use of robots in language education for young children. This paper reports on a study aimed at providing an improved English language development assessment questionnaire specifically for use in a project to bring autonomous social robots into English as a foreign language (EFL) classes for native-Korean-speaking children aged 3-5 years old. In order to examine the validity of questionnaire items, a focus group of 10 professors with expertise in child EFL learning was sent the questionnaire, which includes 127 items to be rated on a 5-point Likert scale and two open-ended questions. They were asked to judge whether each item was appropriate for children of the target age group, and whether any items were not appropriate to assess child L2 learners’ English language development. The findings inform the selection of appropriate items for evaluating language development stages based on children’s speaking performance in a robot-assisted language learning condition. The study’s results provide a baseline for an English language assessment questionnaire for EFL teachers to evaluate 3-5-year-old children’s language development in English speaking in the robot-assisted language learning (RALL) condition.

Short stature and language development in the United Kingdom: a longitudinal analysis of children from the Millennium Cohort Study

Background In low- and middle-income countries, poverty and impaired growth prevent children from meeting their cognitive developmental potential. There are few studies investigating these relationships in high-income settings.MethodsParticipants were 12,536 children born between 2000 and 2002 in the UK and participating in the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS). Short stature was defined as having a height-for-age 2 or more standard deviations below the median (≤ − 2 SDS) at age 3 years. Standardized British Abilities Scales II (BAS II) language measures, used to assess language development at ages 3, 5, 7 and 11 years, were the main outcome assessed.ResultsChildren with short stature at age 3 years (4.1%) had language development scores that were consistently lower from ages 3 to 11 years (− 0.26 standard deviations (SD) (95% CI − 0.37, − 0.15)). This effect was attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for covariates. Trajectory analysis produced four distinct patterns of language development scores (low-declining, low-improving, average and high). Multinomial logistic regression models showed that children with short stature had a higher risk of being in the low-declining group, relative to the average group (relative risk ratio (RRR) = 2.11 (95% CI 1.51, 2.95)). They were also less likely to be in the high-scoring group (RRR = 0.65 (0.52, 0.82)). Children with short stature at age 3 years who had ‘caught up’ by age 5 years (height-for-age ≥ 2 SDS) did not have significantly different scores from children with persistent short stature, but had a higher probability of being in the high-performing group than children without catch-up growth (RRR = 1.84 (1.11, 3.07)).ConclusionsShort stature at age 3 years was associated with lower language development scores at ages 3 to 11 years in UK children. These associations remained significant after adjustment for socioeconomic, child and parental factors.

Correlation of Language Assessment Batteries of Toddlers With Developmental Language Delay

To analyze the correlation between standardized language assessment batteries of toddlers and developmental language delays. A total of 319 children with suspected language developmental delays were enrolled in this study retrospectively. They underwent the Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Test (REVT) for vocabulary development assessment and at least one of two language assessment batteries: The Sequenced Language Scale for Infants (SELSI) or the Preschool Receptive-Expressive Language Scale (PRES) for language development assessment. The correlation of the results for receptive and expressive language between the scales were analyzed. The participants were divided into two groups: SELSI and REVT (n=45) and PRES and REVT (n=273). When the children's results were classified into groups (average, mild delay, and delay), receptive and expressive scores were significantly correlated with each other in both SELSI-REVT and PRES-REVT groups. In addition, the correlation of mean developmental age between tests are analyzed. In the SELSI-REVT group, there was weak correlation of mean developmental age between tests for receptive and expressive language. In the PRES-REVT group, there was a strong positive correlation of mean developmental age for receptive and expressive language in children aged >36 months. Attention deficits during the test was found to be the statistically significant factor affecting the differences between the tests. The odds ratios for receptive and expressive language were 2.60 (95% confidence interval,1.15-5.84) and 1.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.27), respectively. This study examined the correlations and influencing factors between language development evaluation tools for toddlers. An integrated interpretation of comprehensive language and vocabulary evaluation tools may be possible in children older than 3 years of language developmental age.

Epilepsy and Language Development in 8-36-Month-Old Toddlers with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

This paper aimed to assess language development in infants and toddlers with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and epilepsy, which increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. We assessed language development in 61 patients with TSC at 8–36 months using a standardized Speech Development and Communication Inventory tool. The results showed differences in outcomes due to the duration of the seizures and the number of drugs (pFDR = 0.007 **—pFDR = 0.037 *). Children with TSC with longer epilepsy duration and receiving more antiepileptic drugs have a greater risk of language development delay.

A short-form version of the Australian English Communicative Development Inventory

Purpose: The Australian English Communicative Development Inventory (OZI) is a 558-item parent report tool for assessing language development at 12–30 months. Here, we introduce the short form (OZI-SF), a 100-item, picture-supported, online instrument with substantially lower time and literacy demands. Method: In tool development (Study 1), 95 items were drawn from the OZI to match its item distribution by age of acquisition and semantic categories. Five items were added from four other semantic categories, plus 12 gestures and six games/routines. Simulations computed OZI-SF scores from existing long-form OZI norm data, and OZI and projected OZI-SF scores were correlated. In an independent norming sample (Study 2), parents (n = 230) completed the OZI-SF for their children aged 12–30 months. Child scores were analysed by age and sex. Result: OZI-SF and OZI scores correlate highly across age and language development levels. Vocabulary scores (receptive, expressive) correlate with age and the median for girls is higher until 24 months. By 24 months, 50% of the sample combine words “often”. The median time to OZI-SF completion was 12 minutes. Conclusion: Fitted percentiles permit working guidelines for typical (median) performance and lower cut-offs for children who may be behind on age-based expectations and/or at risk for a communication difficulty. The OZI-SF is a short-form of the OZI that has promise for research and clinical/educational use with Australian families.

Varying trajectories of infant television viewing over the first four years of life: Relations to language development and executive functions

Infant television exposure has been related to poorer language development and poorer executive functions in preschool and early childhood. Wide variability exists in the amount of television infants are exposed to in the first few years of life. The current study examined 256 primary caregiver-infant dyads over the first four years of life. Primary caregivers reported on their infant's television viewing each year as well as their language development and executive functions (year 4 only). Children also completed direct assessments of language development (year 4) and executive functions (including effortful control measures year 4). Growth mixture models showed three distinct trajectories of infant television exposure across the four years. Infants who started high and remained high in terms of their television viewing at the end of four years performed the most poorly on all assessments of language development and emerging executive functions. Infants with low television exposure in the first year of life who remained low in television exposure across the four years preformed the best on measures of language development and executive functions. Trajectories associated with early and persistent television exposure in the first few years of life were particularly problematic to preschooler's cognitive development. The current study supports AAP recommendations for limited screen-based media in the first few years of life.

Factors of a child’s social development in the senior preschool age

The aim of the study was to identify the features of the cognitive and emotional development of preschoolers, which can be crucial in child’s acceptance by peers, as well as his status in the group. Were identified factors related to the sociometric status of children and those factors for which ambiguous results were obtained (for example, speech development). As part of the empirical study, there were made the assessment of language development, executive functions (subtests of the NEPSY II), emotional (Test of Emotional Comprehension) and intellectual development (Raven’s color progressive matrices). Children also passed a sociometric test by responding to a number of questions about their peers’ choice. The study involved 252 pupils of the preparatory groups of preschool educational institutions in Moscow (50.2% of boys aged 6 to 7 years (M=83.10, SD=5.74)). The three most significant predictors of social success were shown to be story programming, emotions’ awareness, and cognitive inhibitive control. The programming of the story reflects the communicative competence of the child, his ability to build a story. Emotional development (by external cases) is one of the most important indicators of his emotional development as a whole. These results indicate that the child’s social success is influenced by the development of executive functions, emotional competence, and language competence. However, different aspects of these factors affect sociometric status differently. In the future, we consider it necessary to trace how the factors, including social play, influence the social success of children in elementary school.

How children with developmental language disorders solve nonverbal tasks

Abstract While solving tasks that test their intelligence, children suffering from developmental language disorders (DLD) usually receive lower scores than their typically developing (TD) peers. The present study aimed to assess how children with DLD solve typical nonverbal tasks. Sixty-five children (ages 6-9 years), monolingual users of the Polish language, participated in this study (34 with DLD, 31 TD). The Test of Language Development (TLD) was used to assess language development. Three tasks from the ABC II Kaufmann were used: triangles, story completion, and conceptual thinking. Children with DLD scored significantly lower than TD children in conceptual thinking and story completion. Scores on the triangles test did not correlate significantly with scores on the linguistic tests, whereas conceptual thinking and story completion were highly intercorrelated. While solving the task that required choosing an object that does not match other objects, children with DLD frequently selected different answers than TD children.