LANGUAGE IMERSION - AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO THE PRE-SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE CURRICULUM OF ESTONIA
Journal Title: Problems of Education in the 21st Century - Year 2008, Vol 7, Issue 6
Abstract
After becoming a member of the European Union Estonia has started to become more multicultural and this has brought along the need to teach the Estonian language to children with different native languages. Language immersion is a form of study which is applied as a national program in Estonia with the aim of facilitating acquiring Estonian as a second language. Although early language immersion is popular in Estonia, teachers, parents and educational institutions do not have a clear idea of how language immersion influences a child’s coping in different educational stages and which issues should be considered as primary concerns in guiding the development of a non-Estonian child. In 2007 kindergarten graduates, who had participated in the language immersion program for at least two years, were studied. Data was collected from the teachers of language immersion groups in 9 kindergartens and the parents of the children, who gave their assessments on the readiness of children concerning nine of the most important learning areas (Framework curriculum (1999) of pre-school education). Research results show the effectiveness of the language immersion method. The subject-based (native language, mathematics) skills of the children were especially good. There are some deficiencies concerning the indicators of self-esteem and forming prerequisites for learning.
Authors and Affiliations
Kukk, A, Muldma, M
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP34568
- DOI -
- Views 349
- Downloads 0
ACCESS AND BARRIERS TO EDUCATION: ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF ETHNIC MINORITIES LIVING IN GEORGIA
The aim of this research is to analyse the attitudes and perceptions by Georgian Azeri and Armenian ethnic minorities about the accessibility and barriers to acquire an education. The research includes three types of e...
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY: A CASE STUDY AMONG SIXTH GRADERS
The purpose of this study was to clarify sixth graders’ (aged 12-13, N=87) perceptions about environmental problems and environmental responsibility. Four classes from two Finnish primary schools participated in the stud...
EFFECT OF INABILITY TO COPY A SIMPLE NONVERBAL MATERIAL AFTER CORRECT REPRODUCTION BY 7-12 YEARS OLD CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS
Research results of mnemonic abilities of 7-12 years children with developmental delays are presented. Research aim was experimental investigation of productivity and qualitative identity of mnemonic abilities of younger...
ANALYTICAL INSIGHT INTO PROBLEMS OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
The level and quality of vocational education is an important determinant of economic and social development of the country as well as its employment and competitiveness. The transformation of economic and political sy...
PREPARATION AND DEFENSE OF THE RESEARCH WORK OF STUDENTS: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
In the course of study in high school students write scientific papers, developing coursework, undergraduate, qualification, post-graduate works. Performance by students of research work (SRW) has specific features. Each...