A study of language development practices in preschool settings in Newfoundland and Labrador

Andrews, Gwendolyn (1988) A study of language development practices in preschool settings in Newfoundland and Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (30MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

Research in the area of language development focuses upon two important facts: -- (1) The years between birth and five are crucial to the acquisition and development of language skills necessary for learning and hence to future success. -- (2) The quality of the language environment has a continuing impact on the quality of language skills acquired by the child. -- Informal interviews, conducted at selected preschools in St. John’s, seemed to reflect a lack of planned activities and structured programs designed to facilitate language development in the early years. The purpose of this study was to determine the current status of language development programs and practices at the preschool level, as well as to develop a language experience package to supplement existing materials and to suggest direction toward a comprehensive approach to language development. -- A questionnaire was developed and mailed to all existing preschool facilities in the province for the purpose of collecting data pertaining to language development practices in preschool settings in this province. -- Chapter I provides a statement of the problem, outlines the purpose of the study and demonstrates a need for a comprehensive language development program in the preschool setting. -- Chapter II reviews the literature relating to theories of language acquisition, the importance of the first five years to the learning process, and environmental influences on the acquisition and development of language. -- Chapter III outlines the methodology of the survey and provides information concerning the instrument used to collect data, description of the sample and sampling procedure. -- Chapter IV provides an analysis of data and a summary of conclusions reached on the basis of data obtained. Areas for further research have been suggested.

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