Investigating the language factor in school examinations : exploratory studies.

Abstract

Study 5.1 is the first in a series of four studies. Exploratory in design, the aim of this study was to investigate whether achievement in formal Form II Examinations may be inhibited through language factors. The data from this study (and Studies 5.2 and 5.3) will provide the basis for the design and implementation of the final study, 5.4, which will comprise examination items that provide ‘best’ opportunities for students to show how much they know in each of the core curricula subjects (Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology), as opposed to what they do not know, and to limit any obfuscating language barriers that affect students’ ability to access examination items in these specialist subjects.

Citation

Rea-Dickins, P. Investigating the language factor in school examinations : exploratory studies. University of Bristol, Bristol, UK (2009) 100 pp. [Student performance in national examinations : the dynamics of language in school achievement working paper]

Investigating the language factor in school examinations : exploratory studies.

Published 1 January 2009