This study investigated the development of length measurement ideas in students from prekindergarten through 2nd grade. The main purpose was to evaluate and elaborate the developmental progression, or levels of thinking, of a hypothesized learning trajectory for length measurement to ensure that the sequence of levels of thinking is consistent with observed behaviors of most young children. The findings generally validate the developmental progression, including the tasks and the mental actions on objects that define each level, with several elaborations of the levels of thinking and minor modifications of the levels themselves.
This paper reports on the findings of an investigation that explored teacher candidates’ (TCs) attitudes and beliefs about heritage language (HL) maintenance and variables that may predict their attitudes and beliefs. The participants were 270 TCs in Southwest Florida who completed an on-line survey with Likert-type statements and open-ended questions. Quantitative data was analyzed using factor analysis followed by linear multiple regression analyses. The constructs of TCs’ attitudes and beliefs toward HL maintenance were used as dependent variables in the multiple regression models. The level of preparation in multicultural and bilingual education was a statistically significant predictor of TCs’ views in regard to active teacher practices to maintain HL, benefits of HL at school, and the role of the schools. TCs’ ability to speak more than one language was found to predict their attitudes and beliefs about the benefits of HL at school. In
addition, experiences with diverse cultures and languages outside the U.S. influenced TCs’ attitudes toward bilingualism. The qualitative analysis of TCs’ responses to the open-ended questions showed increased awareness of HL maintenance for TCs at the end of the teacher education program compared with those at the beginning. However, descriptions of teaching strategies in HL maintenance indicated TCs’ limited understanding of appropriate ways for supporting the HL. This gap between awareness and expected teacher behavior suggests the need for further preparation in the area of HL support.
The purpose of this study was to explore immigrant Hungarian-American parents’ perceptions on
heritage language (HL) maintenance. We developed an online survey including Likert-type and
open questions, which was completed by 101 participants. First, we used factor analysis to
investigate the constructs of parents’ views about HL maintenance, and multiple regression
analyses to examine what factors predicted the specific constructs of parents’ views. Two
components emerged that accounted for 42.05% of the total variance: Benefits of the HL and
Elements for sustainable HL maintenance. Further, the findings suggested that time spent in
Hungary and time spent with Hungarian friends and families were statistically significant
predictors of parents’ perceptions of the elements for sustainable HL maintenance. Next, thematic
analysis was used to inquire into the parents’ perceptions about goals and contributing factors in
HL maintenance. The parents indicated several goals for their children’s learning Hungarian, such
as acquiring Hungarian language proficiency, knowledge and life skills, Hungarian cultural
heritage and identity, and deep relationship with the Hungarian parent(s). In addition, regarding
language management strategies, parents expressed the importance of opportunities, the consistent
use of the HL at home, and access to Hungarian communities. Overall, the participants highlighted
that ethnolinguistic vitality was present in their families and communities, which appears to
strengthen HL maintenance.
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