Naslov
Early foreign language acquisition: An overview of theory and research

Autori
Vrček, Karla

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Ocjenski radovi, diplomski rad, diplomski

Fakultet
Učiteljski fakultet

Mjesto
Zagreb

Datum
29.09

Godina
2022

Stranica
42

Mentor
Andraka, Marija ; Hanžić Deda, Silvija

Ključne riječi
early language acquisition ; English as a foreign language ; preschool education

Sažetak
The main purpose of this thesis is to present the theoretical framework and several examples of relevant studies regarding early foreign language acquisition in the world and in Croatia with the intention to raise awareness of the positive effects of learning English in preschool that could improve the future education regarding English as a second or foreign language. Firstly, the neurological and educational levels of child development are presented. Further theoretical background for early foreign language learning and acquisition is provided by examining the relevant literature on the commonly known concepts such as the Critical Period Hypothesis, the Total Physical Response method, Content and Language Integrated Learning, Project-Based Learning, etc. Next, contemporary teaching methods based on learning through play, environment, literature, and culture are explained. To complete the theoretical part of the thesis, a chronological summary of early EFL in Croatia is given. Secondly, an overview of foreign research is provided, and it comprises eight recent studies of early language acquisition in pre-primary education. The main objective is to look into the participants, research methodology, and findings. The studies are chosen according to their relevance to the language learning areas described in the theoretical part of the thesis. The analysis reveals that researchers combine quantitative and qualitative methods that are age- appropriate and child-friendly. Even though none of the studies can ensure generalization due to small samples, their results show a positive effect of TPR, music, literature, integrated and project-based learning, as well as digitalization on vocabulary acquisition and emergent literacy skills of pre-primary children.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Filologija, Interdisciplinarne humanističke znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA