Development Of Language Skills Research Articles

Gender Differences in Early Child Development: Evidence from Large-Scale Studies of Very Young Children in Nine Countries

Some evidence suggests that there are significant gender gaps in early child development in low- and middle-income countries, with girls generally outperforming boys. However, few studies have tested for the existence of such gaps at a large scale. Our objective is to examine gender disparities in early child development in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Peru, Senegal, and Uruguay, with 26,055 children aged 7 to 48 months. We estimate gaps using cross-sectional studies with language, socioemotional, and motor skills development assessments. Consistent with small-sample findings, the data shows girls consistently outperformed boys on language tests (0.14 standard deviations) and socioemotional development (0.17 standard deviations), with differences consistent across all nine countries. There were no systematic differences by gender for motor development. We explored how family characteristics, health investments, or parent–child interactions influenced the gap. We did not find evidence that variation on these characteristics across children explained the gap. Our findings suggest that gender gaps in language and socioemotional development emerge very early in life.

Benefits, Challenges, and Methods of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbots in Education: A Systematic Literature Review

In many fields, AI chatbots continue to be popular with new tools and attract the attention of universities, K12 schools, educational organizations, and researchers. The aim of this research is to review the research on AI chatbots by restricting it to the category of education and to examine this research from a methodological point of view. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review with a sample of 37 SSCI articles published in the educational context. Within the scope of the selected studies, the advantages and disadvantages of AI chatbots in education for students and educators, as well as the types of chatbots used, year, keywords, and method were analyzed. According to the research results, increased motivation to learn and language skill development are advantages for students, while cost-effectiveness and reduced workload are advantages for educators. Limited interaction, misleading answers for learners, originality, and plagiarism are the most common disadvantages for educators. The study also includes research results and recommendations related to the methodological review.

Perceptions of nurses on the scope of culturally competent care in critical care: A qualitative study.

The cultural competence of nurses is crucial in providing nursing care for patients from different cultures. The absence of cultural competence can negatively impact the entire course of care; however, implementing cultural competence in critical care unit can be complicated. This study aimed to determine nurses' perceptions regarding cultural competence in critical care units. This study used a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews with nurses (n = 10) working in critical unites. Data were collected from February to June 2022 and then categorized and evaluated. Atlas.ti was used for the inductive thematic content analysis. Three key areas identified were as follows: (1) nurses and culturally competent care in critical care, (2) cultural challenges in practice and (3) suggestions for improving culturally competent care. The participants expressed that culturally competent care in critical care units has specific limitations because of the nature of the intensive care units (ICUs). Additional learning included opportunities to improve culturally competent care, such as raising cultural awareness, developing language skills and promoting culturally competent care. Providing culturally competent care in critical care units is an understudied area. Identifying barriers and cultural challenges is one strategy nurses can use to improve culturally competent ICU care. Creating cultural awareness by training nurses in their own culture, in cultural diversity, and in overcoming prejudices and stereotypes is an essential step towards increasing cultural competence. Understanding nurses' perceptions on this topic can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for providing culturally sensitive care in a critical care setting.

A study to evaluate the burden of hearing loss and its correlation with risk factors among high-risk infants at a teaching institution, Jaipur.

Hearing loss is a global issue of hearing disability and early detection and rehabilitation of hearing loss are important for the development of speech and language skills in hearing-impaired infants. There are multiple risk factors that aid in hearing loss but some are potential factors that contribute toward hearing loss in infants. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of hearing loss and its correlation with risk factors among high-risk infants at a teaching institution in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This study was carried out after approval of institutional ethics committee on a total of 320 high-risk infants at RUHS College of medical sciences and associated hospitals. Hearing loss was assessed by brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA). Statistical analysis of data was done by cross-tabulation analysis with Pearson correlation and quantile regression. Out of 320 high-risk infants, 59.69% of infants had normal hearing, 9.09% Unilaterally hearing impaired, 20.31% were bilaterally mild-moderate hearing loss, and 10.94% had severe-profound deafness. The prevalence of important risk factors viz. hyperbilirubinemia, low birth weight, appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration score, meconium aspiration, respiratory distress, and ventilation greater than five days were 86%, 58.9%, 40%, 36%, 29%, and 22%, respectively. In high-risk infants, hearing loss is a common hearing disorder. Because of this, early diagnosis of hearing loss gives them the best chance of developing functional speech. Brainstem evoked response audiometry is a simple, reliable, and effective technique for the assessment of auditory functions in infants.

Recovering multilingual children’s literacy loss through multimodal literacy practices in a pull-out program

The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted various aspects of human life, including hindering language and literacy skills development in multilingual students. This study aims to explore multimodal literacy practices among multilingual primary school students in an English pull-out program. Data sources encompassed students’ artifacts, photos, videos, field notes, and semi-structured interviews, collected from July to December 2021 following the Indonesian government’s reversal of its school closure policy. The research reveals that the pandemic has impeded language and literacy skills development, particularly in writing skills, as students heavily rely on screen typing with auto-correction assistance. Consequently, students' proficiency in constructing grammatically correct English phrases has diminished, impeding effective communication in English in the multilingual school community context. In response to this literacy issue, the joint cooperation school has implemented diverse multimodal literacy practices in its English pull-out program to mitigate language and literacy setbacks. Multimodal composition emerges as a potent tool for language learning, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking skills. Notably, multimodal composition facilitates multilingual children in connecting with their home language and cultures within the target language, aiding in the recovery of writing and pronunciation skills. This study contributes valuable insights for designing English pull-out programs tailored to multilingual students in joint-cooperation schools, addressing language and literacy delays induced by the pandemic.

Warna Bahasa Anak dan Peran Serta Lingkungan dalam Perkembangannya

Humans are inherently social beings who use language as a primary means of com­munication to fulfill their social needs. The development of language skills occurs most rapidly from infancy through early childhood, a phase marked by unique linguistic phenomena that, while seemingly unnatural to adults, are logical to children. This study explores the distinctive characteristics of language development during these crucial phases and examines the role of the environment, particularly the family, in this process. Utilizing qualitative descriptive methods, the research analyzes the interac­tions between children and their surroundings, with a specific focus on the family's influence. The findings reveal that the rapid development of language skills in early childhood is significantly influenced by the immediate social environment, with parents serving as the primary language models. The study highlights the considerable impact of parental involvement and family structure on children's language acquisition. The quality of interaction between parents and children and the overall family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping children's linguistic abilities. Moreover, the study under­scores that an understanding of the distinctive characteristics of early language development and recognition of the pivotal role of families can inform more effective strategies to support language growth in young children. The results emphasize the necessity of a supportive and interactive family environment to optimize language acquisition during these formative years. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that parental involvement, family structure, and quality interactions are essential in fostering early language development. Recognizing these factors can help in designing interventions and support systems aimed at enhancing language acquisition and ensuring that children develop robust communication skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Penerapan Konsep Among Ki Hajar Dewantara dalam Mengoptimalkan Keterampilan Berbahasa Siswa

The use of Indonesian language in the school environment that has not been optimal makes teachers make efforts to develop language skills and encourage students' critical and creative thinking abilities. This study aims to examine and analyze the application of Ki Hajar Dewantara's Among concept in Indonesian language learning as an effort to optimize students' language skills holistically. The method used is a literature study by collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing various relevant literature sources on the concept of Among and Indonesian language learning. The results show that the application of the Among concept which emphasizes teacher exemplary, motivation, guidance, family approach, and democratic principles has high relevance in optimizing students' language skills. Teachers play an important role in applying this concept by being role models, motivators, and mentors for students. Learning strategies and techniques that are aligned with the Among concept such as project-based, collaborative, and contextual learning can be applied to increase students' interest and motivation to learn and develop language skills as a whole. In conclusion, the application of Ki Hajar Dewantara's Among concept in Indonesian language learning is the right solution to realize meaningful, contextual, and aligned learning with national education goals.

Bilingualism and Translation: A Teaching Proposal

In Italy the teaching of translation as a specific skill for bilingual speakers is normally not included in the programs of Russian special schools, the so-called subbotnie školy, where the development of language skills (especially listening, writing and grammar accuracy) in heritage speakers generally takes top priority. As already pointed out in other works (Perotto 2020, 2022), the activity of translation exerts an important influence on the cognitive development of the child, especially if bilingual. It helps him/her not only to differentiate and develop two parallel linguistic and cultural systems, but to approach them with a greater metalinguistic and cultural awareness. On the basis of translations made by bilingual participants to the international Cultural Bridge competition, Russian-Italian an Russian-English parallel corpora were created for the analysis of translation difficulties of heritage speakers living in Italy and USA. These difficulties will be analyzed separately or comparatively on the Sketch engine platform, providing some basic indications for a more targeted teaching of translation. The use of corpora can be an important teaching tool to improve heritage speakers’ linguistic competence and translation awareness.

A model for applying CLIL and PBL in the chemistry class

Relevance. The research addresses the need to enhance the methodological foundations of teaching chemistry through scientific experience, emphasizing the improvement of educational processes by integrating research and language skills development. Purpose. This study aims to develop a model for chemistry lessons that integrate content and language-integrated learning (CLIL) and project-based learning (PBL) at the laboratory research level, focusing on communication interaction in English. Methodology. Diagnostic testing with assessment using a five-point Likert scale is employed, analyzing data adapted from H.N. Kazantseva's �Learning Attitudes towards Academic Subjects� test. This approach identifies factors influencing student interest in lessons and specific fields, fostering motivational activation, critical thinking, cognitive skills, and research abilities. Results. The study presents a developed model of a chemistry lesson titled �Spectroscopy,� incorporating CLIL and PBL methods across lectures, practical classes, video lessons, and laboratory research. This model integrates scientific experiments on photon emission processes, electron behaviour, and other components, with practical applications such as analyzing emissions from water samples or other materials. The approach emphasizes communication in English, enhancing environmental studies, research skills, visibility in learning processes, thinking activity, and English language communication skills using scientific terminology. Conclusions. The integrated approach proposed in this research enriches the education system by fostering comprehensive learning experiences that integrate scientific inquiry, language proficiency development, and practical application in chemistry education. Keywords: content-language learning; oriented pedagogy; integrated chemistry lessons; spectroscopy

The sense of coherence and parental resilience and the involvement of parents of children with special developmental needs in early reading initiations

Background: Despite many empirical findings on the socioeconomic predictors of parental involvement in early reading initiations, there is still a lack of clear data on the psychological factors determining parental involvement in the development of children's language and reading skills. Objectives: The research was aimed at recognizing the level of the sense of coherence and its components presented by the parents of children with special developmental needs, psychological resilience and its components such as knowledge of the child's characteristics, perceived social support and positive perception of parenthood, as well as declared involvement in early reading initiations, recognition of relationships between the variables examined and predictors of involvement of parents of children with special developmental needs in undertaking joint reading initiations with children in early and middle childhood. Methodology: In the decryption-analytical research, the diagnostic survey method was used with the use of tools such as the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC 29), the Parenting Resilience Elements Questionnaire (PREQ) and the Family Literacy Activities Inventory (FLAI). The study was conducted in a group of parents of children with special developmental needs (N=198) attending pre-school facilities and departments as well as early development support centers in the Mazowieckie and Dolnośląskie voivodeships. Results: The obtained data indicate significant relationships between the sense of coherence and parental resilience and the involvement of parents in early reading initiations, and the mediating function of the positive perception of parenthood in the relation between the sense of coherence of parents and their involvement in early reading initiations.

A bibliometric mapping analysis of publications on the utilization of artificial intelligence technology in language learning

A plethora of publications have shed light, particularly on the affordances of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered technology to maximize the language learning preparation, process, and outcomes. In search of the current portrait of empirical evidence in this context, this paper reports on a bibliometric mapping analysis of publications on the utilization of AI technology in language learning in the last five years (2018-2023). Relevant studies associated with the theme were collected from several journals sorted out using predetermined criteria. Eighty-eight titles and abstracts were further reviewed to generate a mapping of relevant keywords. The analysis results showed that studies on the utilization of AI technology for language learning have gradually increased in number and grabbed considerable attention among scholars in the Asia context. Several mainstream key terms attached to AI technology comprised personalized learning, mobile learning, and chatbot applications, indicating more concerns in reviewing the role of AI technology as a smart personal assistant for language learners. Furthermore, the use of AI technology was found to be beneficial for maximizing language learning preparation, language skills development such as reading and writing, and language learning evaluation particularly in providing feedback or assessing students’ works. However, challenges in using AI technology in a language learning context remain on the surface. The present mapping analysis can serve as a reference for contemplating the retrospect and envisioning the prospect of AI-powered technology use toward sustaining advanced and quality language learning.

فن القصة ودوره في تنمية المهارات اللغوية والوعي الديني للطفل

The study aimed to identify the art of the story and its role in developing the language skills and religious awareness of the child, the researcher used the descriptive analytical approach. Childhood is an essential stage in the development of the child's personality, including the available activities that meet the needs of the child, in addition to the factors that contribute to the advancement of the child's personality, the development of his perceptions, the promotion of his faculties and the evaluation of his behaviors by achieving his needs and requirements that suit the characteristics of his age stage, the story is an art of literature because of its role in the child's life, it is a means to develop his abilities, develop his knowledge, educate him, develop his language skills and religious concepts, as the Holy Qur'an is a source of the story that possesses Strong elements in terms of linguistic style and the power of the statement and the representation of meanings mixed with feelings and attitudes towards each event, and is one of the educational means that help the child to relax and enhance the familiarity between him and the teacher, which is an essential factor in education for pre-school children. Through the discussions, a set of results were reached, the story has an effective role in the development of language skills, teaching in the style of the story has a positive impact on the child's language, the story occupies a place among the educational methods used to raise the child, the stories of the Holy Qur'an contribute to the creation and development of personality by raising religious awareness and value behavior, the study of educational values during the Qur'anic stories. Based on the findings of the current study, the following recommendations can be made: • Supporting kindergartens to be appropriate to the nature of the times and contribute to the development of language skills and religious awareness. • To study at each stage a set of Quranic stories commensurate with the age stage.

From word recognition skills to reading for the meaning of a science text

Background: Although the reading of science texts has been reported for high school learners, there is not much research on how younger learners engage with expository texts and how they develop academic language skills. In the instance of this study, the topic came from the curriculum content about animal reproduction.Aim: The study from which this article emanated aimed to explore how a sample of learners engaged with a short text, which required cohesive reading and some background knowledge and vocabulary.Setting: This study was conducted in a suburban school where the learners use English as a second language.Methods: A sample (n = 25) was randomly selected from five Grade 4 classes. Their reading comprehension of a custom-designed test was assessed, along with their writing competence in their responses to content questions as well as their drawings. The data were analysed in a typical content analysis modality.Results: This study showed that the learners do not apply inferencing skills and do not read cohesively across sentences and paragraphs and that their vocabulary and prior knowledge of animal reproduction is limited.Conclusion: The urgent need for the development of academic language skills in the early grades is foregrounded in this article, arguing that it can be infused in subjects across the curriculum of the early grades.Contribution: The task can be used by teachers and by researchers who may wish to replicate the study.

A Phenomenological Study of Arabic Language Environment to Improve Students' Speaking Skills at Modern Islamic Boarding School

The language environment has an important role in facilitating students in developing language skills. The fact found by researchers in the field that the Modern Islamic Boarding School Assalam Putri Sukabumi is one of the boarding schools that applies the language environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the Arabic language environment implemented at the Modern Islamic Boarding School Assalam Putri Sukabumi and to find out the students’ perceptions of the application of the Arabic language environment in improving maharah al-kalam. This research uses a qualitative approach, and the type of phenomenological research with data collection techniques used are interviews, observation and documentation. After the data is collected, data analysis techniques are carried out using thematic analysis techniques. The participants in this study were 5th grade students numbering 15 students. In addition, it also involved ustadzah and students of the language section management, and Arabic language teachers. The results obtained are the the Arabic language environment at the Modern Islamic Boarding School Assalam Putri Sukabumi is divided into formal and informal environments, also supported by language programs to improve students speaking skills. The students’ perception of the Arabic language environment in this boarding school shows a positive response. The implementation of the language environment in this boarding school is very influential for students speaking skills, because with the language environment, students become accustomed to using Arabic. This research is expected to enrich the insight of scientific development, especially in the world of research and Arabic language science. For further research, the researcher suggests analyzing the influence of the language environment on the 4 maharah lughawiyah and knowing the perceptions from the side of the teacher or even the head of the boarding school.

Discovering Culture and English: My Learning Experience at Ahmad Dahlan University through UMT's Study Abroad Program

The aim of this research is to open the door for writers to explore their public speaking in Indonesian culture, especially in the UAD campus environment. They detailed interactions with local students, participation in cultural activities, and learning about the traditions and values that underlie Indonesian society. In addition, the author also notes the positive influence that Indonesian culture has on their world perspective. The method used is a qualitative method. The results of this research show that the authors share their challenges and achievements in improving their English language skills. They evaluated how this experience improved their English and public speaking skills, which would be useful in the current context of globalization and provided insight into valuable cross-cultural and linguistic learning experiences through comparative study programs. It also underscores the importance of cultural exchange in opening up global understanding and developing language skills for students participating in such programs.

Technological tools in English language teaching activities to deaf students

A study of the impact that technological tools have on the activities of teaching the English language to deaf students is shown. The difficulties that this segment of the student population has in relation to the resources or materials available for the teaching-learning process of the English language, in addition to the difficulties they have in the development of these language skills. In this sense, the research adopted a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach. The objective was to diagnose the technological tools used in learning the English language in the EGB student of the Liceo "El Oasis", and analyze the results obtained through the application of data collection instruments designed based on the declared variables. The result was that the causes that make learning the English language difficult for students with hearing disabilities is demotivation, according to 50%, indicating that they cannot establish fluid communication. The main conclusion revolves around that the EducaPlay Educational Software can contribute to the development of the English language skills of students with hearing disabilities; but now, teachers do not know about this type of application. It must be considered that the case studied does not learn at the same pace as his peers.

Effects of Robot-Assisted Language Learning on English-as-a-Foreign-Language Skill Development

While numerous studies of robot-assisted language learning (RALL) for English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners’ language skill development have been done, a comprehensive and theoretically-driven meta-analysis on its effects is still in paucity. To fill the gap, drawing on Activity Theory (AT), this study reported a meta-analysis from 47 independent studies out of 29 literature samples involving 1791 EFL learners on RALL for language skill development published during 2004–2023. The results indicated that the overall effect size was g = .69, 95% CI [.49, .90], suggesting that RALL outperforms non-RALL conditions. In addition, educational levels and intervention durations were found to be significant moderators. Based on the results, implications for practice were discussed.

Efektivitas Pembelajaran Kontekstual berbasis Outing Class dalam Mengembangkan Kemampuan Berbahasa pada Anak Usia Dini

Outing class-based contextual learning in developing language skills in young children needs to be done to avoid boredom in the learning process. Outing class learning provides an opportunity to express children's language skills. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of outing class-based contextual learning in improving early childhood language development. This type of research is qualitative research. The results of this research indicate that the outing class learning method is effectively applied in contextual learning to improve aspects of language development in early childhood. In the new normal period, this method is suitable to be applied in learning because it can eliminate the boredom of studying during the pandemic and can add direct experience so that it can improve children's language skills.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OF EARLY CHILDREN THROUGH STORYTELLING METHODS IN NU 01 YOSOWILANGUN MUSLIMAT KINDERGARTEN

Language development (linguistics) is a child’s development in acquiring words effectively, both spoken and written. Children’s language development from an early age through the story telling method applied at the Muslimat NU 01 Yosowilangun kindegarteen aim to broaden horizon and knowledge as well as as communication tool and help children to interact well wih their sosial environment. The story telling method is an effort to develop language skills in early childhood. So the reasercher raised the problem of how children ‘s language development occour aften an early age through the story telling method at Muslimat NU 01 Yosowilangun Kindegarteen. To answer the research problem, a qualitative descriptive type of research was used. The research subject were teacher and student. The data collection technique were observation, interview, and docomentation. The result of reaserch are the development of story telling methode has been developed for children language development from an early age. In implementation the teacher has optimally used the story telling methode. Qualitative data analysis is inductive in nature namely an analysis based on the data obtained, then developed. The data revealed that out of 10 children, 3 children (20%), were included in the BSB (according to expextation) category, 1 children (6%) was included in the MB (developing) category, and no one children in the BB (not yet developing) showing that 94% of children’s language skills are in very good categoryand developing as expected

Examining Assessment Design in the Pakistan English Language Curriculum at Secondary Level: A Comprehensive Qualitative Analysis of its Implementation

ABSTRACT 
 The assessment is an integrated part of the learning process. The effectiveness of assessment design and practice during and after teaching will determine how language skills develop. This research study critically analyzes the Pakistan language curriculum 2006, regarding language assessment design. The study aimed to investigate the assessment design, mechanism, methods, and strategies envisaged in Pakistan's 2006 language curriculum. The study's goals were to investigate the LNC's 2006 language assessment plan and comprehend how extensive the 2006 national curriculum's assessment design is intended. Another goal is the extent to which this design supports language assessment and addresses language assessment ideas.
 The Pakistani national curriculum from 2006 will be the subject of a document analysis that considers both formative and summative assessment methods, techniques, and strategies. The language assessment theories and Bloom’s assessment mechanism were used as theoretical lenses. The document analysis model proposed by Bowen (2009) was used for this investigation.
 The study's findings demonstrate that Pakistan's LNC 2006 assessment design could be more helpful in developing language skills, by improving its level. The assessment strategies and methods for the development of every language skill are missing. The action verbs used for, Standards, benchmarks, and SLOs are at a deficient level and belong to Bloom's Taxonomy's first three stages of the cognitive domain. The summative test rather than ongoing assessment is indicated; hence the marking scheme is solely meant to be used for writing skills. Speaking and listening skills are nearly entirely ignored in assessment design. The standard for the development of textbook activities is likewise deficient in terms of assessment. The guidelines for teachers that train them on assessment are absent. In order to improve the language assessment design, policymakers and curriculum developers will use the study's findings. The findings will also help teachers comprehend and implement language assessment design appropriately.
 Keywords: Assessment, assessment design, language assessment, curriculum, textbooks, instruction.